Liverpool have now reportedly set their sights on signing a £70m right-back for Arne Slot, who would replace the injured Conor Bradley.
Liverpool faced with Bradley decision
Replacing an academy graduate is never an easy decision. Liverpool were already forced to do so when Trent Alexander-Arnold left for Real Madrid last summer, but that was a decision entirely out of their hands. This time around, it will be down to those at Anfield to be ruthless and sign another right-back in place of Bradley.
Liverpool full-back Conor Bradley Related
Liverpool star Conor Bradley speaks out for first time since injury vs Arsenal
The Northern Ireland international faces a race against time to make the World Cup.
The Northern Irishman is undoubtedly talented. It would be tough to find anyone around Anfield who doesn't believe that. Yet, that talent cannot be on show if he continues to suffer frustrating injury luck - often leaving the Reds with little choice other than to turn to Dominik Szoboszlai to fill in from midfield this season.
With Jeremie Frimpong also suffering his fair share of injury problems in his debut campaign, the right-back role has suddenly become a problem for Slot.
Whilst Jeremy Jacquet's summer arrival will help ease Liverpool's centre-back woes, they remain without a consistent option down their right-hand side.
That must simply change when the summer window swings open. Under Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool's fullbacks were as important as any other player at the peak of their powers and that should be no different under Slot.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot celebrates after the match Related
[Liverpool "discussing" last-minute signing, enquiry made in last 24 hours](https://www.footballfancast.com/liverpool-discussing-last-minute-signing-denzel-dumfries-enquiry-made/ "Liverpool "discussing" last-minute signing, enquiry made in last 24 hours")
Arne Slot is looking to add depth to his squad
Deadline-day rumours suggested that Liverpool are well aware of the problem they face at right-back too, given that talks were reportedly held to sign the versatile Lutsharel Geertruida.
Ultimately, the Dutchman stayed put on loan at Sunderland, but the rumours certainly raised plenty of questions about the Reds' transfer needs.
Liverpool plotting big-money Kounde move
With the January window now closed, those at Anfield have seemingly set their sights on a far more ambitious option than Geertruida. According to reports in Spain, Liverpool are now plotting a move to sign Jules Kounde from Barcelona, who would sell their defender at a hefty €80m (£70m).
It would be quite the move and Kounde's clear quality means that Liverpool aren't the only side interested. Joining them, Manchester United, Chelsea and most of all Bayern Munich have also set their sights on signing the talented Frenchman in the summer.
Barcelona's Jules Kounde
He's someone that Barcelona should want to keep and for good reason. Full of praise for the right-back, manager Hansi Flick told reporters in 2024: "It's Unbelievable. I have never experienced this before. After the match, he wants to train.
"He is a great professional and takes excellent care of his physical condition. In every training session, he wants to give it his all. This attitude is not common, but it’s very good."
More importantly for Liverpool, Kounde has also only missed two weeks through injury this season and failed to miss a game in that time - making him an ideal option to replace Bradley.