Needing centre-back reinforcements during the transfer window, Manchester City addressed the situation in style, buying two players in the shape of Nathan Aké and Rúben Dias.
One was bought very early on, while the other’s arrival was the result of a long search, one starting with Kalidou Koulibaly and eventually ending with the Portuguese.
In between, a number of names were mentioned as targets of Pep Guardiola’s, including Sevilla’s Jules Koundé.
Hefty bids were made for the Frenchman, but Sevilla refused to budge, forcing Manchester City to turn towards Benfica to find their man.
A lot was said about Koundé, who was just finishing his first season with the La Liga side, which ended with a Europa League trophy, and the player has finally spoken a bit about Manchester City’s interest in him.
He did so in an interview with Canal Plus on their Late Football Show, and said: “It’s part of my development. I think I’m doing everything right and working a lot for that to happen. Beyond that, I was obviously happy. It was a good opportunity, but I’m at Sevilla and I’m very happy”.
Clearly, had a bid been accepted by Sevilla, then Koundé would have taken the chance to move to Manchester to work under Guardiola, but, for now, the 21-year-old will have to wait and spend another season at a club where he’s enjoying himself and perhaps one where he can continue his development in a more familiar surrounding, away from the prying eyes of the Premier League.
For now, at least.
