Barcelona drops Denzel Dumfries’ interest despite Inter’s contact, with the Catalan club pushing to keep Man City target Jules Kounde

Barcelona Cool Interest in Denzel Dumfries as Focus Shifts to Retaining Jules Kounde Amid Man City Pressure

Barcelona have reportedly decided to pull out of the race for Inter Milan full-back Denzel Dumfries, despite recent contact from the Italian club. The decision marks a clear strategic pivot for the Catalan giants, who are now prioritising the retention of Jules Kounde—especially with Manchester City lurking in the background.

Dumfries, long admired for his physicality, pace, and attacking intent from deep, had been identified as a potential solution to Barcelona’s right-back conundrum. However, with finances still tight at Camp Nou and the club under pressure to streamline their summer plans, officials have opted to abandon the pursuit in favour of keeping one of their key defensive assets.

Jules Kounde, who has been linked with a possible switch to the Premier League, is now viewed internally as non-negotiable. Sources suggest the French defender has impressed manager Hansi Flick with his versatility, professionalism, and consistency, making him central to the German coach’s tactical vision going forward.

Barcelona’s decision also reflects a shift in priorities. While right-back remains an area of concern, the club believes it can address the position through internal options or more financially accessible targets. Dumfries, despite being open to a new challenge, would have required a fee and salary commitment that doesn’t align with Barça’s current constraints.

Meanwhile, Manchester City’s interest in Kounde has added urgency to Barcelona’s retention efforts. Pep Guardiola is thought to be an admirer of the defender’s composure on the ball and his ability to operate both centrally and wide. With City reportedly weighing up their options following the departure of key defensive figures, Kounde’s name has gained prominence on their scouting reports.

Barcelona, aware of City’s capability to swoop in with a tempting offer, are working to reassure Kounde of his role and importance. New assurances about playing time, tactical fit, and future responsibilities are being communicated to the player and his representatives in an effort to ward off interest.

The Catalan club’s shift away from Dumfries is not necessarily a reflection on the player’s quality but rather a consequence of prioritising stability in their current squad. Inter Milan, who were expecting further dialogue, are now likely to seek other buyers or reconsider Dumfries’ future role at San Siro.

For Barcelona, the summer remains a balancing act between ambition and reality. After seasons of financial turmoil, decisions like these are designed to preserve harmony within the squad and avoid triggering unnecessary market moves. Kounde’s presence offers both quality and adaptability—two things the current squad cannot afford to lose.

In the coming weeks, expect Barcelona to formalise their commitment to Kounde either through an updated contract or public statement of intent. While other positions remain under review, right-back reinforcement now takes a backseat.

Barcelona’s fans, many of whom had grown curious about Dumfries’ potential arrival, will now turn their attention toward how the club reshapes its defence without major disruption. For Inter, this means returning to the negotiation table with other European clubs or re-integrating the Dutchman for another season.

Ultimately, this latest development underscores the changing dynamics of top-level football, where even high-profile targets can be dropped in favour of strategic continuity. In Kounde, Barcelona see a cornerstone. And in choosing to protect that cornerstone, they’ve made their priorities crystal clear—retain the spine, maintain consistency, and resist the lure of reactionary spending.

Manchester City plans to re-sign Cole Palmer from Premier League rivals Chelsea, according to a report.

Palmer is a Manchester City academy product who joined Chelsea for a reputed £45 million in the summer of 2023, ending his 13-year connection with the Citizens.

The 23-year-old departed City in pursuit of regular first-team football, and he has since established himself as a key player for Chelsea, earning the 2023-24 PFA and Premier League Young Player of the Season awards after scoring 27 goals and providing 15 assists in 48 games in a sensational rookie season.

Palmer scored 15 goals and assisted 12 times in 46 appearances for Chelsea last season, helping the team win the Conference League and qualify for the Champions League after finishing fourth in the Premier League.

The dynamic playmaker took his game to new heights when he led Chelsea to Club World Cup triumph earlier this summer, scoring two goals and assisting on one in a stunning 3-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the final.

Manchester City ‘ready’ to offer a British-record amount for Palmer

Palmer is a key member of Enzo Maresca’s first-team squad, and Chelsea has no plans to let him go. He is under contract until June 2033.

According to Fichajes, Pep Guardiola has long appreciated Palmer’s talent and is committed to bringing him back to Manchester City ‘at all costs’.

The Citizens are reportedly willing to offer up to $170 million (£126.1 million) to get Palmer back to the Etihad Stadium. This would be a British-record cost, surpassing the £116 million (£100 million + £16 million in add-ons) sale of Florian Wirtz to Liverpool this summer.

Man City are thought to believe Palmer can make a difference in their project and do not want to pass up the chance to re-sign the playmaker, yet luring him away from Chelsea may prove difficult.

Palmer believes Chelsea is heading in the right path.

If Palmer were to depart Chelsea in the future, Manchester City would be a top contender for his services, but the Englishman’s chances of leaving Stamford Bridge anytime soon appear slim.

Palmer was full of admiration for Maresca after winning the Club World Cup and being named Player of the Tournament, and he is confident that Chelsea’s future is bright, implying that he believes he is in the perfect position to continue his growth.

“[Maresca] is building something special, something important,” Palmer told journalists last month. “Everyone has talked a lot of s*** about us all season, but I feel like we are going in the right direction.”

Mans City has several attacking alternatives, including Rayan Cherki, who joined this summer after Kevin De Bruyne left the club.

Cherki will compete for regular starts under Guardiola alongside Phil Foden, Omar Marmoush, Savinho, Jeremy Doku, Oscar Bobb, and new captain Bernardo Silva.

Manchester City ‘bid’ £147 million for Chelsea superstar as Guardiola wants ‘to bring him back at whatever costs’

According to rumors, Manchester City have offered Chelsea €170 million (£147 million) to bring Cole Palmer back to the Etihad Stadium this summer.

In 2023, the Citizens traded Palmer to the Blues for £40 million due to Pep Guardiola’s inability to accommodate him in their crowded attack.

Palmer has won 12 England caps and scored 37 goals and 19 assists in 70 Premier League outings since joining Chelsea two seasons ago.

It was a tremendous blunder by Manchester City, and the Citizens apparently want him back and have made a substantial offer in an attempt to entice Palmer to return.

According to Spanish website Fichajes, Chelsea feels confident in retaining this talent till his contract expires in 2033.

However, Manchester City has ‘offered’ €170 million (£147 million) for Palmer, breaking the British transfer record set by Liverpool earlier this summer when they bought Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen.

Pep Guardiola is ‘keen to bring him back at any costs’, and Manchester City ‘knows Palmer can make a difference in their project and doesn’t want to pass up the opportunity to sign him again.

Chelsea “must decide whether to resist the temptation of a multi-million-dollar offer or whether Manchester City can re-sign one of its most valuable players.”

Palmer, who has been linked with Paris Saint-Germain, led Chelsea to a 3-0 victory in the Club World Cup final, scoring two goals and providing an assist.

After the game, a number of his teammates showered praise on the England international, with one declaring Palmer is now “the best in the world”.

Liam Delap, Chelsea’s summer signing from Ipswich, told FIFA: “It was wonderful. He’s a world-class player, and today he demonstrated it.”

Goalkeeper Robert Sanchez said, “Cole Palmer is the best in the world.” If he isn’t already the best, he will be in the next two to three years. He is a top player. He demonstrates that in all of the matchups. He performs magic. He seizes opportunities when they present themselves. Today, he scored two goals, nearly completing a hat trick. Impressive.”

Chelsea’s right back Malo Gusto went on to say, “He’s usually a little independent and reserved. But he is a very decent person. He understands when to speak up. He also knows how to make the crew laugh, which helps them relax. We have a pretty excellent relationship.

“We’re quite pleased to have this type of guy. Cole is now well-known among everyone. Everyone knew him before. He’s a top player, as are many others on our team. He did a lot for us tonight!”

Newcastle Fear Fresh Hijack as Manchester City Move to Re-Sign Former Star in Major Deal

Newcastle United could be bracing themselves for another frustrating twist in the transfer market as Manchester City have reportedly entered advanced talks to re-sign one of their former players. The development has sparked real concern at St. James’ Park, with sources indicating that City’s late intervention could derail what was shaping up to be a key move for Eddie Howe’s side.

The player in question, who had been firmly on Newcastle’s radar for several weeks, is understood to have impressed with his performances since leaving City. The Magpies had identified him as a cornerstone for their next phase of evolution, especially given his experience at the highest level and familiarity with Premier League demands.

Newcastle had made significant strides in discussions, with personal terms reportedly close to being agreed and initial club-to-club conversations progressing well. But now, the re-emergence of Manchester City has thrown everything into doubt, with Pep Guardiola himself believed to have taken a direct interest in the situation.

City’s desire to re-sign their former talent is not without precedent. The club has a history of bringing back players who matured after departing the Etihad, especially if they have the technical profile and tactical intelligence Guardiola demands. For Newcastle, the timing could not be worse.

Eddie Howe and his recruitment team have been working tirelessly to rebuild depth and quality across the pitch. Following some recent disappointments in the market, losing out on yet another key target — especially to a direct competitor — would represent a heavy blow both strategically and psychologically.

The player is said to be torn between two very different propositions. Newcastle are offering a central role in an ambitious project, the chance to be a leading figure, and consistent first-team football. Manchester City, meanwhile, offer silverware, world-class coaching, and the prestige of returning to one of Europe’s elite clubs.

While City might not be able to guarantee a regular starting spot, the allure of playing under Guardiola and being part of a squad that competes for every major trophy remains a huge draw. It’s a dilemma many players have faced: prominence at a rising club or a rotational role at a global giant.

Financially, both clubs are capable of matching the player’s expectations. But Newcastle had hoped the promise of more consistent game time and being central to their upward journey would be enough to seal the deal. That calculation is now being tested.

The Magpies are no strangers to transfer hijacks. Last summer, they were in advanced talks with multiple players only to see late interventions from rival clubs change the narrative. This latest saga has echoes of those past frustrations, and there’s growing pressure on the club to avoid another high-profile setback.

City’s interest appears to have been reignited following scouting reports over the past season, during which the player’s development has accelerated. Club insiders believe his skill set has evolved to fit Guardiola’s demanding system, especially in possession and defensive transitions.

For Newcastle, the prospect of losing out at such a late stage is deeply unsettling. The club had begun preparing for his arrival, both in tactical planning and in backroom discussions. Losing the deal now would force them back into the market with limited time and fewer elite options available.

Negotiations are still ongoing, and both clubs remain hopeful of convincing the player. Newcastle are expected to hold additional meetings with the player’s representatives, emphasizing the scale of the role on offer and the importance of being a focal point in a young, hungry side.

City, meanwhile, are reportedly offering a structured return package, with assurances about development, integration into the squad, and possible succession planning for aging senior players. The long-term picture is appealing, even if the short-term role might be limited.

Supporters of both clubs are watching developments closely. For Newcastle fans, losing this target to City would feel like another reminder of the uphill climb they face to compete at the very top. For City fans, the potential return is being welcomed as smart business and a reward for a player who left to prove himself.

The coming days will be decisive. A final round of talks is expected soon, with the player now faced with a career-defining decision. Does he opt for leadership and regular minutes in Newcastle’s growing project, or does he return to familiar surroundings and fight for glory among the very best?

Both clubs have handled the situation with respect, but the rivalry is evident. Behind closed doors, Newcastle are believed to be furious about the timing of City’s approach, viewing it as a tactical disruption at a sensitive point in negotiations.

Ultimately, the decision rests with the player. His next move will not only shape his own career trajectory but could also influence how Newcastle approach the rest of their summer window. Should they miss out, contingency plans are ready, but the sting of another hijack would linger.

In the ever-unpredictable world of football transfers, nothing is final until pen meets paper. But for now, Newcastle’s hopes hang in the balance — with Manchester City once again proving that their reach, even late in the game, can change everything.