Yoan Makoundou nearing Barcelona move

18/08/202610:44

Yoan Makoundou A|X Armani Exchange Milano - AS Monaco Euroleague 2022/23 Milano 23/12/2022 Foto Ivan Mancini / Ciamillo-Castoria

The Catalan powerhouse is finalizing an agreement with the versatile French big man, who was already on the club’s radar last season.

Barcelona are finalizing an agreement to sign Yoan Makoundou, according to BasketNews sources.

The 26-year-old French forward/center stands 2.07 meters tall and had already been a Barcelona target last season, although the deal could not be completed at the time.

This time, Makoundou is set to join Barcelona, with Gabriel Pantel-Jouve of BeBasket being the first to report the negotiations.

A SEASON SPLIT BETWEEN CHINA AND MONACO

Makoundou arrives after spending last season between China and AS Monaco.

During his stint in China, Makoundou averaged 15.2 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.5 blocks and 0.6 steals per game, shooting 57% from two-point range.

He later returned to AS Monaco, where he averaged 10.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.1 blocks and 0.7 steals in 20 minutes per game in the French league.

He was particularly efficient from the field, shooting 65% from two and 44% from three.

FIVE EUROLEAGUE APPEARANCES

The French big man also made five EuroLeague appearances with Monaco.

Makoundou averaged 6.2 points and 1.8 rebounds in just eight minutes per game across his five EuroLeague appearances.

His versatility and ability to contribute at both forward and center are among the qualities that have led Barcelona to return to a player they had already targeted last season.