Barcelona Star Snubs Premier League Giants to Remain at Camp Nou

All terms have been finalized and only a signature remains to confirm that Jules Koundé will extend his Barcelona contract through 2030. However, he had opportunities to move to other clubs.

The French defender was previously contracted with Barcelona until 2027, but during this summer, English Premier League teams made attempts to lure him away from Catalonia. Manchester City made inquiries about a potential transfer for Koundé, but according to a SPORT report, the player personally turned down all offers to remain at the club.

Primarily deployed as a right-back since joining Barcelona in 2022, Manchester City might have offered Koundé the chance to return to his favored central defensive position. However, regardless of his playing position, Koundé remains fully dedicated to Barça and Hansi Flick's vision.

Koundé recently confirmed that his contract extension has been finalized and will be officially completed just days after Barcelona returns to Spain following their preseason tour in Asia.

Following an uncertain beginning to his Barcelona journey, Koundé became crucial to Flick's squad last season, topping the club in match appearances during 2024–25 before an injury sidelined him for the final seven fixtures.

"Koundé is simply amazing. He's consistently 100% prepared. I've never considered substituting him during games. He's a true leader," Flick commented about him within two months of starting his first season as Barça's manager.

This isn't the first occasion Koundé has chosen Barcelona over an English Premier League transfer. When he joined Barça in summer 2022, Chelsea were allegedly very near to completing his signing until the Catalans intercepted the deal—similar to their approach with Raphinha during that same transfer window.

Since that time, Koundé has developed into one of the globe's finest right-backs. He's established remarkable understanding with Lamine Yamal on the wing in Flick's tactical system. At 26 years of age, it's virtually guaranteed that Koundé will spend his peak playing years in Barcelona's famous blue and red jersey.