Liverpool edge closer to second summer signing

Barcelona are reportedly willing to listen to offers for Jules Kounde this summer, with Liverpool among the clubs eager to sign him amid their pursuit of a new right-back.

The Reds have already confirmed that Stade Rennais defender Jeremy Jacquet will arrive at the club in July, for a fee that could reach €70 million, but they remain keen to bolster Arne Slot’s backline further.

Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley have both struggled with injury problems this season, and the latter is set to be ruled out until 2027 after suffering a serious knee injury against Arsenal in January.

As a result, Dominik Szoboszlai has been forced to play at right-back on a number of occasions so far this campaign and Liverpool are desperate to rectify this issue by landing a more natural option over the summer.

According to Fichajes, they are among the clubs keeping close tabs on the situation of Kounde at Barcelona, with Hansi Flick’s side willing to sanction a sale if they receive an offer worth €65m.

Jules Kounde to leave Barcelona?

Chelsea and Manchester United are also understood to be monitoring a potential swoop for Kounde, although the former are highly unlikely to pursue a deal given their current transfer strategy.

Therefore, it could be a straight shootout between Liverpool and Man Utd for the Frenchman’s signature, with Barcelona reportedly open to a surprise sale, despite the fact Kounde’s current deal isn’t due to expire until 2030.

The Blaugrana are set to pursue a deal for Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez this summer and they are aware that sales may be needed to fund a move for the Argentina international.

Kounde has been earmarked as a possible departure and while Barcelona currently value the France international at €65m, it’s claimed they are hoping to receive a bid worth up to €80m this summer.

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