Both Chelsea and Liverpool need to dramatically improve their respective stations ahead of the 2026/27 Premier League seasons. After they both led deeply disappointing campaigns, neither can afford to falter quite so spectacularly two years on the bounce.
As such, the two giants are delving into the transfer market to bolster their squads. They have a mutual target in mind, Barcelona’s Jules Kounde, over whom they have both received a major boost. With the summer transfer window raging on, this could be a great opportunity for both clubs.
According to Mark Brus’ blog in The Daily Briefing, Barcelona are willing to let the French international go – and could do so for a price as little as £55 million. Of course, this is still a sizeable figure, but it should be affordable for clubs such as the Reds and the Blues. Despite being under contract until 2030 at the Camp Nou, the Catalonians are open to offers.
Of course, Liverpool and Chelsea aren’t the only clubs in the race. A report from Fichajes states that PSG are also interested in a move for the player. Head coach Luis Enrique is keen to bring him to the Parc de Princes – if the Parisian giants come knocking, they will be difficult to fend off.
This is especially true in Chelsea’s case, as they will not be able to offer him Champions League football next season. The Blues finished 10th in the Premier League in 2025/26, behind the likes of Bournemouth, Brentford and Sunderland. On the basis of this alone, we’d argue that Liverpool and PSG stand a better chance of landing him than Xabi Alonso’s men do, but only time will tell.
Jules Kounde 2025/26 La Liga stats
Games Goals Assists Yellow Cards Red Cards
Jules Kounde 30 1 3 6 0
Jules Kounde 2026 World Cup stats
Games Goals Assists Yellow Cards Red Cards
Jules Kounde 4 0 0 0 0
What would Jules Kounde bring to Liverpool or Chelsea?
A brilliant defensive full-back with an underrated attacking acumen, Kounde is the archetypal modern right-back. Wing-backs, who struggle on the defensive side of things, are slowly becoming a thing of the past as the game evolves. While they must be able to contribute in the final third, their pressing and tackling ability is now paramount.
Fortunately, Kounde is a very well-rounded player who can do all of these things. Standing at 6ft 0, he is also an effective aerial presence and does a very good job of tracking wingers. He is also a strong passer, being able to pick out his teammates and create chances from the right flank.
On top of this, he is a very adaptable defender. While he obviously excels as a right-back, he can also fill in at centre-back if he needs to, though he is generally better in a back three than a back two. Furthermore, on account of his excellent technical ability, Kounde could theoretically play as a left-back or even as a defensive midfielder if he was asked to do so.