Liverpool have been put on alert as Barcelona are prepared to listen to offers for French defender Jules Kounde, according to reports in Spain.
Kounde's future is in doubt despite his prominence in Hansi Flick's team throughout last season. He appeared 47 times across competitions, helping the Catalan giants win the La Liga title.
The 27-year-old has four years left on his contract and only signed a new deal last August. He's currently busy representing France at the FIFA World Cup but talk is growing over a possible Camp Nou exit this summer.
Liverpool and Chelsea Eye Jules Kounde
jules kounde
Kounde is reportedly no longer viewed as untouchable at Barca and could be on the move during the summer transfer window. CaughtOffside relay reports from Spain claiming that the Spanish giants could sell the French right-back for a fee in the region of €65m.
Liverpool are said to be ones to watch in the race for Kounde, while Chelsea are also interested in the versatile defender. He has yet to play in the Premier League, having joined the Blaugrana from Sevilla back in July 2022.
Kounde now has years of experience under his belt and is regarded as one of the hardest-working players in Flick's squad. The German coach hailed his work ethic as "unbelievable" during the early stages of his reign.
The Frenchman is thought to want to stay with the Catalans despite his club's willingness to sell. He has appeared 188 times since arriving at Camp Nou, posting 10 goals and 22 assists.
Kounde Can Help Iraola Transform Liverpool
Jules Kounde (France)Lee Smith via Reuters
Liverpool could have a free run at Kounde, given that Chelsea is closing in on the signing of Marco Palestra from Atalanta. A new right-back might be a priority for new manager Andoni Iraola, given Jeremie Frimpong's frustrating debut campaign at Anfield.
Frimpong arrived as Trent Alexander-Arnold's replacement after a superb spell in the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen. The Dutchman struggled with form and recurring injury issues throughout the campaign.
Kounde would be a marquee signing for the Reds, and he boasts a winning mentality at the club and international level. Iraola might like his versatility, given he can operate in central defence as well as full-back.
This isn't the first time the Merseysiders have been linked with Kounde. They were reportedly weighing up a £70m move for the France international back in February while Arne Slot remained in charge.
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