Liverpool plotting €80m move for Barcelona defender Jules Kounde

Liverpool are reportedly preparing an offer worth €80 million to sign Barcelona defender Jules Kounde next summer (h/t Mundo Deportivo)

Having already snapped up Rennes’ exciting centre-back Jeremy Jacquet in a £60 million deal for the next season, the Reds are now planning to break the bank again for Kounde.

Arne Slot’s side have experienced a significant crisis in the right-back position this season.

Jeremie Frimpong’s debut season has been plagued by injuries, while Conor Bradley has reportedly been ruled out of the remainder of the season after undergoing knee surgery last month.

Adding to the woes, Wataru Endo, who was deployed as a right-back against Sunderland last night, was stretchered off with a serious ankle injury.

It has prompted the Reds’ management to explore the market again for a full-back, with Kounde emerging as a potential target.

The French international has transformed into an elite right-back at Barca in recent seasons despite being a centre-back by trade.

Kounde remains an undisputed figure for Hansi Flick’s side. He played a pivotal role in Barca’s domestic treble last season, with his winning strike against Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final turning out to be his high-water mark.

However, the 27-year-old has suffered a dip in his form this season, drawing criticism for his uninspiring performances and inconsistency.

He has racked up three goals and two assists in 35 games in competitions.

With his contract running until 2031, Barca are only willing to listen to the offers in the region of €80 million.

The Catalan giants can cash in on the Frenchman to put an end to their financial crisis.

They can operate under La Liga’s 1:1 rule in the transfer market without any Financial Fair Play limitations.

Barca are also well covered in the right-back position with Eric Garcia and Joao Cancelo, who moved to Camp Nou on loan from Al-Hilal in the winter transfer window.

In addition, the La Liga champions are tracking Hector Fort’s impressive loan spell at Elche with the aim of calling him back next season.

However, Flick sees Kounde as a vital cog for his project and could try to keep hold of him.