Liverpool are exploring a January transfer for Barcelona defender Jules Kounde, with the club making contact through intermediaries to assess a potential deal. The 27-year-old French international is considering his future after losing his regular starting position under manager Hansi Flick this season, having been a key player under previous boss Xavi Hernandez.
Kounde's versatility to play at both centre-back and right-back fits a profile Liverpool are monitoring as they sit ninth in the Premier League standings with nine points from six games. The club's defensive record this season shows seven goals conceded, a figure they will look to improve as they prepare for a tough away fixture against fourth-placed Brentford this weekend. Liverpool are currently nine points behind the league leaders, Manchester City.
Player situation
Kounde's reduced involvement at the Camp Nou has prompted interest from several top clubs. Manchester United and Bayern Munich are also understood to be monitoring the defender's situation closely. Eric Garcia's presence has further limited Kounde's opportunities, raising questions about his long-term future at Barcelona despite a contract that runs until 2030. The player himself is now open to listening to proposals in the winter window.
Profile and valuation
The defender, who previously attracted admiration from Chelsea and Arsenal during his time at Sevilla, could be open to a January exit. Barcelona would demand a fee of at least €60 million to consider letting him leave, though no formal offers have been submitted. The French international is considering his future after losing his regular starting position under Hansi Flick, with his relationship with the new coach described as strictly professional but not close.
Liverpool's interest comes as they evaluate squad options ahead of the winter window. Their recent form reads three wins, one draw and one defeat from the last five matches across all competitions, a sequence that includes a 6-3 victory over Lask Linz last Wednesday. That high-scoring win followed a 3-0 home defeat to Manchester City. Behind-the-scenes talks suggest a move for Kounde in January cannot be ruled out as the club looks to strengthen a defence currently missing several players to injuries. Isak is the team's top scorer this season with four goals in five appearances. The next fixture, away to Brentford on Saturday 17 October, is the immediate focus before attention turns fully to the transfer market.
First reported at liverpoolfc.com
