In the 2025/2026 season, Manchester City will be determined to compete across all possible fronts — as has been the norm during Pep Guardiola’s reign for the most part.
Even Rayan Cherki’s winning mentality came to the fore after he revealed his desire to help City continue to win trophies for years to come, with the prospect of helping an elite club return to their glory days seemingly appealing to the Frenchman.
Ruben Amorim described Hugo Viana as a winner and with the Portuguese sporting director’s addition alongside their new signings, there seems to be a renewed sense of energy about City.
With Pep Guardiola appearing motivated behind the scenes, perhaps the Sky Blues’ domestic rivals have plenty of reasons to be concerned.
Lamine Yamal named Man City target Jules Kounde the best right-back in the world
Being serial winners, Manchester City do not seem to be getting carried away by the seemingly excellent business they have done this summer.
Manchester City could make more signings after exiting the FIFA Club World Cup during the last-16 stage and considering Liverpool and Arsenal have strengthened this summer, they would be playing with fire by resting on their laurels.
One of the names whom Manchester City have enquired about is Jules Kounde, who Lamine Yamal is a huge admirer of.
Yamal commented on Kounde’s Instagram post in August last year, writing: “Best RB [right-back] in the world rn [right now].”
Jules Kounde stats compared to Tino Livramento last season
Considering Newcastle do not intend to sell Tino Livramento, the former Sevilla defender could be viewed by City as an alternative to the Englishman.
Kounde is one of the best right-backs in Europe and if he were to part ways with Yamal and Barcelona, Manchester City could be getting their hands on a truly world-class full-back.
Last season, the 26-year-old registered four goals and eight assists in all competitions while Livramento amassed just one assist.
Based on the numbers, Manchester City seem to be chasing the potentially superior player.
