Overview

• Deco said Manchester City made an enquiry for Koundé but no bid was submitted and no talks took place.
• Barcelona told City the defender was not on the market, with Deco describing direct club-to-club dialogue with Txiki Begiristain and Hugo Viana.
• Koundé signed a new five-year contract in August that keeps him at Barcelona until 2030.
• Manchester City still lack a specialist right-back following Kyle Walker’s departure and have used Matheus Nunes or Abdukodir Khusanov in the role this season.
• Barcelona view Koundé as a key starter under Hansi Flick after his transition to right-back and recent trophy-winning contributions.