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.

The Reds have experienced a significant crisis in the right-back position this season.

Jeremie Frimpong’s debut campaign 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.

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 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 form this season, drawing criticism for 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 limitations.

Barca are also well covered at right-back with Eric Garcia and Joao Cancelo. They are tracking Hector Fort’s impressive loan spell at Elche and will call him back this summer.