Liverpool Eye Jules Kounde as Key Defensive Reinforcement

Liverpool are reportedly plotting a move for Barcelona defender Jules Kounde, according to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo.

Right-back conundrum deepens for the Reds

The Merseyside club have struggled to fill the void left by Trent Alexander-Arnold‘s exit to Real Madrid. His replacement, Jeremie Frimpong, endured a rocky debut season plagued by fitness issues, while Conor Bradley has been sidelined with a serious knee injury for months. Former boss Arne Slot was forced to improvise, deploying Dominik Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones as makeshift right-backs.

Liverpool have already dipped into the Barcelona market once this summer, snapping up Ronald Araujo, a natural centre-back who can cover at right-back. But manager Andoni Iraola reportedly wants further defensive reinforcement, prompting another raid on the Catalan giants.

Kounde caught in a three-way transfer tussle

Citing Mundo Deportivo‘s print edition, Sport Witness claims Barcelona are open to cashing in on the 27-year-old, who has excelled at right-back in recent seasons despite starting his career as a centre-back at Sevilla. Valued around £51m by Transfermarkt, Kounde offers pace, aerial strength, composure on the ball, and defensive reliability — qualities that have also earned him a regular spot with the French national team.

Complicating matters, Kounde recently signed a contract extension at Camp Nou running until 2030 and is reportedly reluctant to leave. Liverpool also face stiff competition, with Manchester City and especially Arsenal — who are prepared to break the bank — both chasing his signature.

With three heavyweight suitors circling and the player himself hesitant to move, Barcelona could find themselves in the driving seat over the coming weeks as the transfer saga unfolds.