Liverpool are said to be planning a significant offer for £69m-rated Barcelona right-back Jules Kounde in the summer transfer window.
The Reds have struggled badly at right-back this season, with Conor Bradley’s campaign-ending injury in January summing up their woes there.
Jeremie Frimpong has been an uninspiring signing to date, too, and he was more renowned for excelling as a wing-back for Bayer Leverkusen, which is a concern moving forward, raising question marks as to why he was brought in.
Joe Gomez, Dominik Szoboszlai and recently Curtis Jones have all done stints at right-back, and while they have given their all and produced good performances, it hasn’t been ideal.
It could be that Liverpool look to strengthen in that position when the summer window arrives, and according to Mundo Deportivo, Kounde is a target for them.
They report that there is “strong confidence” from the Reds about “submitting a compelling offer” to Barca, and they would be “willing to put forward” around £69m for his services.
Jules Kounde one of Europe’s most dependable right-backs
Kounde would be a fantastic signing for Liverpool, given his reputation as one of the most solid right-backs in Europe, combining defensive nous with quality going forward, not dissimilar to Jurrien Timber at Arsenal.
The 27-year-old still has four years remaining on his current deal, but Barca may see this as the right time to get as much money as possible for him, selling him in his prime.
Kounde is likely to start at right-back for France at the 2026 World Cup, while Barca manager Hansi Flick has waxed lyrical over him this season, saying:
“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.”
Liverpool should jump at the chance to bring in Kounde, should the transfer funds be available and Barca allow him to leave, and he could bring some much-needed solidity to right-back amid Frimpong’s struggles and Bradley’s lengthy absence.