Liverpool consider €70m move for Barcelona defender Jules Kounde

Liverpool are considering a move for Barcelona defender Jules Kounde, with a fee of about 70m euros potentially enough to secure the France international, according to reports.

However, there have been “no formal negotiations so far”, according to a report by Football Insider carried by German newspaper Bild.

Kounde’s position at Barcelona has changed significantly since he moved from Sevilla for 50m euros in the summer of 2022. The 27-year-old was previously regarded as an important part of the team but has become a peripheral figure under manager Hansi Flick.

He has made only four La Liga appearances this season and was left on the bench for Barcelona’s past three league matches. Kounde completed 90 minutes in La Liga only once, against Rayo Vallecano, and also played the full match in the Champions League against Feyenoord.

Spanish newspaper Sport has reported that Barcelona would only consider selling Kounde for a very high offer. Earlier reports had suggested the club might accept a fee close to 50m euros, but that figure is now expected to be considerably higher. Kounde’s contract with Barcelona runs until 2030.

Liverpool searching for defensive cover

Liverpool are looking for a right-back, with Conor Bradley potentially out until next year and Jeremy Frimpong yet to convince. Ronald Araujo, who is on loan from Barcelona, is not regarded as a traditional right-back, while Joe Gomez could leave Liverpool in the summer.

Kounde would offer Liverpool versatility because he can operate either at right-back or in central defence. That ability is understood to be a key reason why he has emerged as a potential solution to the club’s defensive requirements.

Liverpool are not the only English club monitoring the player. Sport says Kounde is also being followed by Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City. He has previously been linked unofficially with Bayern Munich.

The defender’s own intentions remain uncertain. Sport has reported that Kounde could consider a change of club in January, although other reports say he immediately rejected an enquiry from Liverpool because he wants to regain his starting place under Flick.

Kounde has spent much of his Barcelona career as a regular first-team player, but his reduced involvement this season has prompted speculation about his future. Barcelona’s high valuation and the defender’s desire to re-establish himself at the club could determine whether any potential move develops beyond initial interest.