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Liverpool’s summer plans are already taking shape, and the urgency is clear.
Injuries have exposed the depth issues, especially at the back this season.
The club also moved early by bringing in young defender Jeremy Jacquet, but he has already suffered a setback with an injury.
That situation may have only increased the pressure to recruit an experienced option who can step straight into the team.
There is also uncertainty around contracts.
Ibrahima Konate is approaching the final stretch of his current deal.
Even though Virgil van Dijk would love for him to remain at the club, that alone forces Liverpool to look at alternatives who can operate at the highest level.
One name that fits this description has quietly built a strong reputation over the past few years and has been linked to Anfield a number of times in the past.
He has been a regular starter for a major European club. His preferred role is at centre-back, but he has also played extensively at right-back.
That flexibility is one of the key reasons top Premier League clubs are monitoring him.
According to SPORT, Liverpool is interested in Barcelona defender Jules Kounde.
“Liverpool has him on their list of priorities, but the Catalan club is most concerned about Chelsea, the team that tried to sign him when he was at Sevilla and has always considered him a key player.”
“For now, things are calm because Kounde has always demonstrated total commitment to Barcelona, clearly prioritizing his loyalty to the club, although the rumors have already begun.”
“For Barcelona, as things stand, he is not for sale.”
“Liverpool have reportedly explored their options for signing Kounde.”
Chelsea are also in the race, setting up what could become a serious transfer battle.
Barcelona remain calm about the situation.
The defender recently signed a contract extension until 2030 with a massive €1 billion release clause.
The club has no intention of selling.
Still, the Premier League interest has created noise around his future.
Kounde is highly rated internally at Barcelona, but his versatility is a major reason Liverpool reportedly see him as an ideal solution.
Whether Barcelona soften their stance remains the key question as the summer window approaches.
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