Latest news with #JulesKounde
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Barcelona youngster continues his rapid adaptation at Barcelona
Earlier in the month, Barcelona roped in Roony Bardghji from Copenhagen, initially to strengthen the youth setup. Bardghji joined the club in a deal worth just €2 million, even though the forward is regarded as one of the most promising young players in European football right now. Barcelona's idea was to make Bardghji train with the first team before putting him in the reserve squad, unless the player makes a lasting impact. But so far, Bardghji has emerged as one of the standout players in training as Barcelona gear up for the new season. Bardghji's rapid progression continues As reported by Diario SPORT, the coaching staff have been surprised by how quickly Bardghji has adapted to the demands of Barcelona's unique playing style. The youngster has impressed onlookers with his ability to think and execute moves swiftly has earned early praise from the coaches, with some even calling him one of the surprises of the pre-season. Roony Bardghji has impressed everyone at Barcelona so far (Photo courtesy: X/Barcelona) Although yet to debut for the first team, Bardghji has already made a strong impression off the pitch as well. He has quickly built a rapport with several senior players, including Jules Kounde, Wojciech Szczesny, and Marcus Rashford. They are, in fact, all staying at the same hotel on the outskirts of the city. Known for his discipline and maturity, the young Swede has been among the first to arrive at training every day, respecting the standards set by Hansi Flick. He has also started exploring the city with his family and is now actively looking for permanent accommodation. Signed at Deco's insistence, Bardghji is already proving he belongs at the club. If he keeps this up on the Asian tour, a spot in the first-team squad may come sooner than expected.
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Report – Barcelona Yet To Send Offer For Inter Milan Wingback Despite Agent Efforts To Arrange Transfer
Barcelona will reportedly pass on the opportunity to sign Inter Milan wingback Denzel Dumfries despite Jorge Mendes' efforts. According to Fabrizio Romano via FCInter1908, the reigning La Liga champions have no interest in the Dutchman. Despite tearing them apart in the Champions League last season, Denzel Dumfries will not move to Camp Nou. Indeed, Hansi Flick holds Jules Kounde in high esteem and wants to tie him down to a new long-term deal. Barcelona Turn Down Chance to Sign Inter Milan Ace Denzel Dumfries Although Jorge Mendes hopes to take his client to Catalonia, his efforts will likely go in vain. Indeed, Flick views Kounde as his first-choice right-back and has no intention of replacing him. Furthermore, Barcelona will rely on Eric Garcia as the Frenchman's backup. Therefore, Inter can relax for now. However, Dumfries' €25 million release clause is valid until the end of June. It makes him an affordable target for many elite clubs in Europe.
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Report – Super Agent Trying To Force Inter Milan & Dutch Wingback Transfer To Barcelona
Super agent Jorge Mendes is still trying to convince Barcelona to sign Inter Milan wingback Denzel Dumfries. According to Sportitalia via FCInterNews, the Catalan giants are reluctant to send any offer to the Nerazzurri. Barcelona reportedly plan to stick with Jules Kounde as a starter at right-back. Therefore, they've never truly considered launching a bid for Denzel Dumfries. However, Mendes is trying to change their mind. And he often gets what he wants. Jorge Mendes Offers Inter Milan Star Denzel Dumfries to Barcelona Dumfries €25 million release clause is valid until the end of July. In today's market, it's a bargain fee, especially for a player of his caliber. However, Barcelona have other priorities, which is why Mendes' whispers have fallen on their deaf ears. Unless some unexpected developments, Hansi Flick's side should stick with Kounde. As such, the San Siro club has no reason to panic yet. But Dumfries' exit clause could attract unwanted interest elsewhere. The Dutchman had a remarkable season, so the Italians are desperate to keep him next term.


Forbes
22-07-2025
- Sport
- Forbes
Manchester City Tries To Sign FC Barcelona Heavyweight
Manchester City tried to sign an FC Barcelona heavyweight according to Mundo Deportivo, which cited ... More a report from RMC Sport journalist Fabrice Hawkins that relied on anonymous sources. Manchester City tried to sign an FC Barcelona heavyweight according to Mundo Deportivo, which cited a report from RMC Sport journalist Fabrice Hawkins that relied on anonymous sources. Jules Kounde was one of Joan Laporta's main marquee signings during the famous summer of the 'econonic levers' back in 2022. Chelsea was believed to be the frontrunner for the then-Sevilla center back, only for Barca to snatch him away at the last minute. Though there have sometimes been reports about his discontent in having to play right back, Kounde has been a roaring success in the position and become one of the best in the world at playing it. In the spring, he cemented his status as a modern-day Blaugrana legend by scoring an extra time Copa del Rey final winner against Real Madrid in his past-adopted hometown Seville and there are many Culers that believe Barca might have advanced to the Champions League final had he been available for the semifinal second leg lost 4-3 to Inter Milan. On the brink of a new season, there is talk of Kounde renewing his initial five-year contract in Catalonia which expires in 2027. According to Mundo Deportivo, extending Kounde's terms is something that is 'near', and a key development that Barca would like to see tied up before the transfer window closes on August 30 if everything is OK on the Financial Fair Play (FFP) side of things. Because of his strong form, however, it is unsurprising that big clubs around the rest of Europe have tried to turn the 26-year-old's head. Reportedly attempting to do the same with Lamine Yamal in the past, which Pep Guardiola confessed, Manchester City has expressed its interest in Kounde according to Hawkins. 'For several weeks, FC Barcelona and Jules Kounde have been negotiating a contract extension. A positive outcome is hoped for by all parties," Hawkins tweeted. "Manchester City and another top-tier club have made inquiries about the French international. Tied to Barça until 2027, the 26-year-old player is highly valued by the Catalan club, which considers him the best in the world in his position,' Hawkins added. Kounde looks set to continue at FC Barcelona The common consensus is that Kounde is happy with life at FC Barcelona and will continue there. Luckily for Culers, this means they should expect to see more of fantastic chemistry between the 2022 World Cup finalist and Lamine on the right flank moving forward under Hansi Flick.
Yahoo
21-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Manchester City enquire about Barcelona star amid contract negotiations
Barcelona have thus far done a decent job of retaining most of their stars since the global pandemic, despite a significant financial crisis that has hampered their plans for the past five years. The only major departures that the club were not open to, albeit hugely important, were Lionel Messi and Ousmane Dembele. Manchester City are seeking to change that. Director of Football Deco has placed a special emphasis on retaining the club's major stars before seeking to bring in major signings, as evidenced by a flurry of contract renewals for the likes of Pedri, Gavi, Ronald Araujo and Lamine Yamal amongst others. The next to follow would in theory be Jules Kounde, who is out of contract in the summer of 2027. Manchester City interest in Jules Kounde Jules Kounde got the goal but not the penalty. City are interested in the French defender though, who excelled in central defence at Sevilla and over the last three seasons has performed well at right-back for the Blaugrana. French journalist Fabrice Hawkins reports that Manchester City are one of the two top clubs that have made enquiries about his compatriot. Barcelona have been trying to negotiate a new deal with Kounde for several weeks, after the first reports of negotiations emerged in February this year, and Hawkins explains that both Kounde and Barcelona are hopeful of a deal, with the latter considering him the best in the world at his position. Kounde's other suitor (in the Premier League?) Barcelona will want to wrap up a new deal before next summer, when they might be forced to slash his asking price. There have been a number of links to both Chelsea and Arsenal in the Premier League over recent months, with the former reportedly in regular contact with his agent. The Blues also tried to sign Kounde when he left Sevilla in 2021. It would be no surprise if his representation was in contact with Premier League sides to test the market and see what kind of salary Kounde could be offered elsewhere.