How Jules Kounde has fared for Barcelona this season as Liverpool eye 'significant offer'
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Liverpool FC NewsFeaturesTransfersBarcelona's Jules Kounde has reportedly emerged as a target for Liverpool during the summer transfer window, with the Reds keen to strengthen their defensive optionsBarcelona's Jules Kounde is being linked with a move to Liverpool(Image: Europa Press 2026)Liverpool is being linked with a bid to sign Barcelona star Jules Kounde as the Reds look to bolster their defense during the summer transfer window.The Reds have struggled with injuries in that area of the field this season, particularly at right-back. Conor Bradley was ruled out for the remainder of the season after suffering a serious knee injury in January, having had spells on the sidelines the team during the first half of the season too.Meanwhile, Jeremie Frimpong – another right-back option for the Reds – has also missed chunks of the campaign through injury.
Liverpool has experienced issues at center-back, too, with Joe Gomez a perennial fitness concern, and Giovanni Leoni having been missing since September due to a serious knee injury.READ MORE: Liverpool transfer news as Reds plan Jules Kounde offer plus Alisson latestREAD MORE: John Henry sends timely message to Liverpool fans after Anfield protestsThat's where Kounde comes into the equation: the France international is capable of operating both as a right-back and as a center-back.Kounde primarily operates as a right-back for Barcelona, but the majority of his career appearances before his 2022 move to Catalonia came as a center-back.Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo says that Kounde's future at Barca is far from guaranteed, and that doubts have emerged due to some of his performances this season.Kounde has been at Barcelona since 2022(Image: 2026 Quality Sport Images)The addition of France international Kounde would seriously strengthen Liverpool's squad, but he would not come cheap.Barcelona is only likely to entertain offers for the Frenchman of around €80 million ($94 million) – an amount some way shy of his €1 billion ($1.17 billion) release clause.Despite Barcelona reportedly having doubts about Kounde's long-term future due to his form, that has not stopped Hansi Flick from keeping him in his first-choice line-up when he has been available.READ MORE: Ibrahima Konate 'very sad' as Liverpool star details half-time change against Man UtdREAD MORE: FSG's stance over Arne Slot after Man Utd defeat as mood at Liverpool worsensKounde has made 45 appearances for Barcelona this season, scoring three goals and registering four assists, which is an impressive record for a defender.It is often said that a soccer player's best ability is availability, and Kounde has made 40 or more appearances in all competitions in each of the last eight seasons, stretching back to his time as a player for Bordeaux.Kounde is not having the best season on the field, but he remains a world-class operator, and at 27 years old he clearly has many years ahead of him at the top of the game.Choose Liverpool.com as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.Liverpool FCTransfers