Liverpool are reportedly preparing a substantial €80 million (£69m) offer to secure the services of Barcelona defender Jules Kounde this summer.
The move, if successful, would represent a significant investment by the Reds as new head coach Arne Slot looks to bolster his squad, particularly at right-back.
According to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo, citing the Daily Mail, Liverpool are “planning to submit an offer at the end of the season” for the French international. Barcelona, facing financial pressures, are understood to be seeking exactly €80 million to part ways with the 27-year-old.
Slot’s search for a new right-back
The pursuit of Kounde underscores Liverpool’s need to solidify their right-back position, which has been a source of concern throughout the past campaign.
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Last summer’s £29.5 million signing, Jeremie Frimpong, along with academy graduate Conor Bradley, have both battled injuries, forcing Slot to experiment with midfielders like Dominik Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones in the defensive role.
Frimpong’s performances, in particular, have drawn criticism. Former Liverpool star Jan Molby openly questioned the player’s suitability for a top Premier League side. “I struggle with it, and I’ve had that problem for a while,” Molby stated. “It’s only natural that football fans wish new players to do well, and Frimpong only had to do one thing and people would go, ‘he’s getting better, you know.’ I’ve always been a little bit critical, because look beyond his pace and then tell me where are the top four Premier League qualities. I don’t see it.”
Molby further elaborated on Frimpong’s physical attributes, suggesting a lack of robustness for the English top flight. “He sometimes, on the pitch, acts like a kid, he sometimes plays like a kid, and he looks like a kid doesn’t he, when you see the size of him next to some of them. It doesn’t mean he’s not a great footballer, but this is just a different ball game. You’ve got to be able to look after yourself, to be physical, to play, and I just can’t see in what world that what turns this [around] is Frimpong and his pace. I can’t have that.”
Slot reportedly views Kounde as his ideal new right-back, a role the Frenchman has increasingly made his own at Barcelona. His versatility, however, also means he could provide cover at centre-back, a position he predominantly played during his time with previous club Sevilla.
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Barcelona’s financial imperative
Kounde joined Barcelona for €55 million in 2022 and has since made 186 appearances in all competitions. Despite his importance, his continuity at the Catalan club is not guaranteed.
Recent reports from TEAMTALK, suggested that Barcelona chiefs are open to the departures of Kounde, Alejandro Balde, and Marc Casado to generate vital transfer funds.
The defender has previously attracted significant interest from Premier League clubs. Barcelona’s sporting director Deco confirmed that Manchester City made contact regarding Kounde last summer, highlighting his long-standing appeal to English sides.
While Kounde’s release clause stands at an astronomical €1,000 million, Barcelona’s current financial situation makes an €80 million offer a compelling proposition.
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Should Liverpool proceed with their reported bid and Barcelona accept, it would mark one of the summer’s most significant transfers, addressing a key area for Slot while providing much-needed capital for the Spanish giants.
Sources: www.teamtalk.com, www.mundodeportivo.com
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