'I had guarantees that I'd play' - Kounde lifts lid on Man City discussions

The highly-rated center-back has opened up on his phone call with Pep Guardiola over a move to the Etihad that never materialized.

Jules Kounde’s name was high on Manchester City’s wishlist last summer as the club were in the transfer market for a new central defender.

The Frenchman was one of the standout performers for Sevilla last season, leading the team to Europa League glory.

A rock at the heart of the defense, his presence in the team saw Sevilla maintain an impressive defensive record in La Liga last term with only 34 goals conceded – only bettered by champions Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid.

The Sky Blues placed a big-money bid for the 22-year-old but it was turned down by the Spanish side, and they ended up signing Ruben Dias from Benfica in a club-record €68 million deal.

Reflecting on his failed move, Kounde admits that he was interested in joining the Premier League side and even held transfer talks with Pep Guardiola.

“Yes, I spoke with Pep Guardiola. He had him on the telephone,” the former Bordeaux man disclosed to Canal Football Club.

“We spoke in Spanish. Everything went well. I was interested in going there and I had guarantees that I would play. But it didn’t happen.”