As Manchester City gear up for another high-stakes season under Pep Guardiola, their recruitment drive is once again drawing headlines. After their unexpected early exit from the FIFA Club World Cup, City’s resolve to reinforce key positions has only grown stronger — and one name that has quietly emerged on their radar is Jules Kounde of FC Barcelona.
Interestingly, the potential transfer link has received an unexpected endorsement from within Barcelona’s own ranks — none other than rising star Lamine Yamal. The teenage sensation had already made his feelings known about Kounde nearly a year ago when he boldly commented under the defender’s Instagram post, calling him the “best RB in the world rn.” That public praise may now come back into focus as Manchester City explore their options at right-back.
Sources suggest that City have shown interest in Kounde, especially as they struggle to find a breakthrough in their pursuit of Newcastle’s Tino Livramento. With the Magpies refusing to entertain offers for the English full-back, Kounde has surfaced as a top alternative for Guardiola and his recruitment team.
The 26-year-old French international is coming off a strong season at Barcelona, where he contributed four goals and eight assists across all competitions — numbers that significantly outshine Livramento’s single assist. Kounde’s blend of defensive solidity and attacking involvement makes him a natural fit for Guardiola’s demanding system.
But Kounde is not just any target. His relationship with Yamal — and his increasing influence within Barcelona’s dressing room — adds complexity to any potential transfer. The two players share a strong bond, and Yamal’s admiration for Kounde is no secret. Losing him could prove a major emotional and tactical blow to the young winger and the team as a whole.
Still, Manchester City are no strangers to difficult negotiations. The addition of new backroom figures like sporting director Hugo Viana, alongside the ambitious recruitment of players like Rayan Cherki, signals City’s intent to refresh their squad with youth and versatility. And in that blueprint, Kounde — who can play both centrally and out wide — fits perfectly.
Barcelona, however, are unlikely to let him go without a fight. The Catalan giants, now under Hansi Flick, view Kounde as a key piece in their defensive puzzle. Despite experimenting with him at right-back, Flick reportedly admires Kounde’s comfort as a ball-playing centre-back, especially in tight, high-press situations — a trait that Guardiola also values highly.
Moreover, Barcelona’s financial position makes every high-value player both an asset and a potential source of revenue. If Manchester City were to submit a serious offer, it could test Barça’s resolve, particularly if they have other priorities in the market and feel they can cover Kounde’s departure with existing options or youth players.
For now, this remains in the realm of speculation. There’s been no official bid, no personal terms agreed. But with Yamal already publicly branding Kounde the world’s best, Manchester City may feel they’ve found a player who is not only proven at the elite level but also highly respected by the next generation of stars.
The story is still developing — but if the Premier League champions make a move, they’ll know exactly what one of La Liga’s brightest talents thinks of their t