Barcelona signing Jules Kounde has revealed he held follow-up conversations with Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola this summer over a proposed transfer to the Etihad Stadium. Kounde, 23, attracted interest from several top European sides before settling on the rejuvenated Catalan giants.
Kounde, who progressed through the Bordeaux ranks before moving to Sevilla three years ago, cost Barca around £46million as City later swooped for Manuel Akanji from Borussia Dortmund to bolster their defensive ranks. Akanji signed on deadline day to add to Ruben Dias, Aymeric Laporte, Nathan Ake and John Stones.
As for Kounde, meanwhile, he was told City would have to sell players before potentially making the move for his sought-after signature. He claims to have spoken with Guardiola this summer after initially discussing a switch with the City manager two years ago.
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Kounde was pressed on interest from City and Chelsea during an interview with French publication L'Equipe. He said: "I've joined a huge club, that has known good times, but recently has seen fewer.
"I'm coming to a project that I wouldn't describe as a rebuild, because there was already a competitive team, but rather a rebound. I was interested in being part of this new wave, in search of titles, and putting Barca back where they have always been, among the best.
"We [Kounde and Barcelona manager Xavi] talked about football, mainly. I felt there was a real confidence, a real knowledge of my game and my qualities."
On reported contact with Guardiola, he added: "Yes, but after my first season at Sevilla. It was very tempting.
"[At that time] I had also decided that it was my first year there and that I could not force anything. Yes, [he called again] this summer, but players had to leave the club first."
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