Liverpool Plot £60m January Move for Barcelona Defender Jules Kounde

Liverpool are reportedly preparing a €70 million (around £61m) offer for Barcelona’s Jules Kounde, according to Spanish outlet Fichajes, as they look to bolster their defensive ranks in January.

Why Liverpool Want Kounde

No formal talks have taken place, but the Reds are weighing up a major investment in a defender comfortable at both right-back and centre-back. That versatility appeals given their current headaches on the right side.

Conor Bradley faces a lengthy spell out injured, while Jeremie Frimpong has struggled for consistency and is reportedly a January exit candidate. Joe Gomez could also leave at the end of the season, adding to the uncertainty.

Kounde’s Situation at Barcelona

The 27-year-old joined from Sevilla in 2022 for €50 million but has slipped down the pecking order under Hansi Flick. He has made just five La Liga appearances this season, completing 90 minutes only twice, and was an unused substitute for three league games before the Getafe match.

Barcelona are under no pressure to sell, with his contract running until June 2030, so Liverpool would need to meet a hefty valuation. Kounde has previously rejected approaches, though a prolonged spell on the bench could change his thinking.

Liverpool will monitor his game time through November and December before deciding whether to make a formal approach.

Our Take

This looks a smart fit on paper, but €70 million for a player who is not starting regularly feels steep. Much will hinge on whether Kounde wants to leave a club that still values him highly.