Liverpool is still lacking in options across the backline, with a potential second raid of Barcelona on the cards for another defender in the transfer market.
Fermin Lopez of FC Barcelona Gerard Martin of FC Barcelona Marc Bernal of FC Barcelona Jules Kounde of FC Barcelona Pablo Gavi of FC Barcelona Joao Cancelo of FC Barcelona Robert Lewandowski of FC Barcelona during the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and Real Betis
Barcelona could lose another key defender this summer(Image: (Photo by GSI/Icon Sport via Getty Images))
The final few weeks of the summer transfer window could offer up some intriguing options that were not available earlier in the market, as chaos ensues for many clubs.
Liverpool has already experienced this firsthand, with the signing of Ronald Araujo from Barcelona offering up a chance that wouldn't have come about a few weeks prior for the Reds.
It came after Hansi Flick told the star that he wasn't part of the club's plans heading into the new season, which changed his plans after he initially thought about staying at the Nou Camp for the foreseeable future. Instead, Araujo decided it was time for a new challenge, helping to push through a swift move to Liverpool on loan for the remainder of the season.
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The Uruguayan international helps fill a gap at centre-back, which has been a clear problem for Liverpool, while he could also offer some versatility at right-back.
The latter is a position that has been a problem for the past season or so, with Conor Bradley's long-term injury combining with regular issues for Jeremie Frimpong to create doubts on the flank.
While Araujo could offer cover there, it isn't a long-term solution, with Liverpool still in need of a guaranteed option there to protect the position moving forward.
Another Barcelona option could appear, as Mundo Deportivo reports that Jules Kounde could be available as an option before the transfer window closes.
Liverpool has been credited as an interested party, alongside the likes of Manchester City and Arsenal, with an opportunity there to solve many concerns for the short-term and long-term.
Jules Kounde
Jules Kounde(Image: Sebastian Frej/Getty Images)
The French international largely plays at right-back, but offers valuable cover at centre-back, having performed to a high level for Barcelona over recent seasons.
The 27-year-old has made 188 appearances for the Blaugrana since joining from Sevilla, where he has regularly been relied upon to feature, especially under Flick and his high-pressing style, which would suit the switch to Liverpool and a similar approach under Iraola.
"“Jules is a fighter," Flick said earlier this year about Kounde. "He’s always focused. We’re all human, and sometimes you don’t have your best day, but he’s always fighting.
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"Even when things don’t start well. I appreciate what he’s doing. He has a top-notch mentality."
It's the sort of thing that would certainly fit what Liverpool is trying to build, both in the profile of player and type of person the team wants to add.
It remains to be seen whether a deal can get done, with Liverpool likely to look at other positions before the right-back move this summer.