Liverpool Consider £60m Move for Barcelona Defender Jules Kounde

Liverpool are assessing a possible move for Barcelona defender Jules Kounde after being told that a bid in the region of £60 million (€71m) may be sufficient to open talks. The 27-year-old’s reduced involvement under Hansi Flick has changed his standing at Barcelona, creating an opening for clubs seeking a versatile defender.

Kounde’s Barcelona role has become uncertain

Kounde had previously been regarded as one of Barcelona’s less movable assets, but his position has weakened during the current campaign. He has played only four La Liga matches and has not left the bench in Barcelona’s past three league games, despite being named among the substitutes.

That lack of minutes has prompted doubts over his longer-term future in Catalonia. Barcelona’s financial position and wage pressures also mean the club could consider a major sale if their valuation is met.

The France international joined Barcelona from Sevilla in 2022 and has made 193 appearances for the club. He can operate at centre-back or right-back, an adaptability that increases his appeal to Liverpool as they examine options for the right side of their defence.

Liverpool’s right-back planning raises need for cover

Liverpool’s interest comes amid several unresolved issues in that area of the squad. Conor Bradley is expected to be unavailable until next year because of injury, while Jeremie Frimpong has yet to establish a convincing level of form.

Ronald Araujo arrived from Barcelona on a summer loan, but Liverpool have not yet settled on whether his stay should become permanent. Joe Gomez could also leave Anfield when the season ends, increasing the possibility that the club will need more than one defensive solution.

How the potential deal has developed

1. Kounde built a substantial role at Barcelona after his 2022 switch from Sevilla.
2. His league involvement has fallen to four appearances this season.
3. He was an unused substitute in each of Barcelona’s latest three La Liga fixtures.
4. Barcelona are now understood to be prepared to listen to offers around £60 million (€71m).
5. Liverpool must decide whether Kounde is the right answer to their defensive uncertainty.

A price has been set, but talks have not begun

No formal discussions have yet taken place between Liverpool and Barcelona. The reported £60m figure remains a significant outlay, particularly for a player whose availability has only recently become more realistic.

For Liverpool, the central question is whether Kounde’s experience, positional flexibility and record at elite level justify that investment. For Barcelona, a sale would offer a route to easing financial and salary constraints, even if it meant losing a defender who has been a prominent figure since his arrival.

Key takeaways

• Barcelona’s willingness to consider a sale represents a notable shift in Kounde’s situation.
• Liverpool have defensive depth concerns, particularly at right-back.
• Kounde offers cover in two positions: central defence and the right flank.
• There is interest, but no official negotiation between the clubs at this stage.