Approach made: Man City now in contact to sign £226k-a-week Barcelona star
da betobet： Manchester City have now made contact over a deal for a Barcelona star, who is regarded as “the best in the world in his position”, journalist Fabrice Hawkins has revealed.
Man City looking to sign defender amid Akanji uncertainty
da 888casino： Pep Guardiola’s rebuild is well underway, and there could still be a few more departures to make way for new arrivals, with Manuel Akanji now being targeted by Galatasaray, following criticism from supporters for some of his performances last season.
City expert Steven McInerney believes it could be best for all parties if Akanji is moved on this summer, alongside a number of other players, saying: “I’m fine with it. I definitely feel the more (players) that move on right now it’s a good thing. I’m not one for pushing people out the door, but I think Akanji was probably at the scene of the crime far too many times last season.
“He’s obviously a good player, but I think he’s another that has had the post-treble malaise. It’s definitely a thing at City where you can see some players have reached the top of the mountain and the only way is down a little bit.”
Related Man City ready to submit £51m bid to sign top target to replace Ederson
Man City are now working on a deal to sign their top target this summer.
Consequently, Guardiola may need to bring in a new centre-back this summer, while it has been clear for quite some time that the manager is keen on a new right-back, with Inter Milan’s Denzel Dumfries and Newcastle United’s Tino Livramento on the shortlist.
As such, it could be a clever move to sign a versatile defender capable of playing in both of the aforementioned positions, and Man City have now made contact over a deal for Barcelona defender Jules Kounde, according to an update from Hawkins on X.
Kounde is currently in negotiations over a new contract, with the La Liga club viewing the defender as “the best in the world in his position”, but the Blues are now hoping to lure him to the Etihad Stadium.
Kounde could be statement signing for Man City
The Barcelona star is very assured in possession of the ball, which could make him a good fit in a Guardiola system, while he has also received extremely high praise from teammate and major Ballon d’Or contender Lamine Yamal.
Statistic
Average per 90 (past year)
Passes attempted
71.73 (96th percentile)
Pass completion %
86.7% (90th percentile)
Progressive passes
5.14 (84th percentile)
Indeed, Yamal described the Frenchman as the “best right-back in the world”, but the £226k-a-week defender has predominantly featured at centre-back throughout his career to date, showcasing his versatility.
With Kyle Walker moving to Burnley, and Akanji’s future up in the air, the 26-year-old could be the ideal addition to Guardiola’s defence, given his ability to play at both right-back and centre-back.
However, it could be very difficult to lure Kounde away from Barcelona, considering he is currently in negotiations over extending his stay at the Camp Nou.
