Liverpool 'keeping an eye on Barcelona star' as 27-year-old could fix major issue

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Liverpool will look to reinforce its defense this summer and an experienced option has emerged as an apparent target, according to reports in Spain

Liverpool is being linked with a move for Jules Kounde(Image: Urbanandsport/NurPhoto)

Liverpool is reportedly keeping tabs on Barcelona defender Jules Kounde ahead of a possible summer swoop for the France international.

The Reds are in the midst of a defensive overhaul, with Ibrahima Konate out of contract at the end of the season, Jarell Quansah having been sold last summer, and Joe Gomez and Virgil van Dijk both approaching the final 12 months of their deals.

Liverpool signed Giovanni Leoni and Jeremy Jacquet during the last two transfer windows, with the club taking steps to prepare the squad for the long term in that area of the field.

And now Mundo Deportivo is saying that Liverpool is eyeing a more experienced option in Kounde, who is reportedly viewed as a versatile option in defense.

Kounde primarily plays at right-back for Barcelona but can also fill in as a center-back, and the Catalan club showed its faith in the 27-year-old when it tied him down to a new five-year contract last year.

Barca clearly wants to keep Kounde, but it is reported that he is not viewed as totally unsellable, and that huge offers would likely be entertained.

Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea are all said to be interested in Kounde, and Barcelona could deal with his possible departure by extending the loan of Joao Cancelo from Al-Hilal.

Last year, Barcelona sporting director Deco revealed that Barcelona had been asked about Kounde's availability by Manchester City.

"City were looking for a full-back, and of course they asked us if Kounde was on the market. And we told them no. So there was no offer or any negotiation," Deco revealed.

Jules Kounde in action for Barcelona(Image: 2026 Quality Sport Images)

Kounde's ability to play both as a right-back and as a center-back will appeal to Liverpool due to the squad's issues in both areas this season.

As well as the ongoing uncertainty at center-back, Liverpool's right-backs have struggled to stay fit this season.

Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley have both had spells on the treatment table, and the latter out with a season-ending knee injury that he sustained in January.

Frimpong suffered another injury scare during the recent international as he was withdrawn just minutes after coming on as half-time substitute, but he took part in a training session with his Liverpool teammates on Thursday, indicating his likely availability for this weekend's FA Cup game against Manchester City.

Mohamed Salah and Federico Chiesa also trained after fitness concerns ruled them out of international action, while Alexander Isak made his long-awaited return after more than three months out with a broken leg.