Liverpool join Chelsea in race to sign Barcelona defender Jules Kounde

Liverpool’s unbeaten start to the Premier League came to an end on Sunday as Manchester City secured a 3-0 win over Andoni Iraola’s men at Anfield on matchday six, courtesy of goals from Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku and Rayan Cherki.

There was not much to separate the two sides but Ryan Gravenberch’s red card was the decisive moment, although thereafter, Doku gave the home side’s right back, Ronald Araujo, a very tough time with his pace and dribbling.

Right back has not been a particularly encouraging position for Liverpool of late with Jeremie Frimpong also disappointing, so as per Fichajes, the Reds are interested in signing Barcelona star Jules Kounde in an effort to find a long-term solution for the role.

On Transfermarkt, the French international is valued at £59 million and having lost a regular spot at Barcelona this season, there is a strong likelihood that the Catalans would be prepared to sell him next year.

Kounde a solid right-back candidate for Liverpool

Chelsea are also interested in signing Jules Kounde from Barcelona, so Liverpool will not have a straightforward path to his signing. However, Champions League football and assurances over his minutes could help the Reds usurp the Blues.

Kounde would be an excellent signing for Liverpool. His recovery pace, ability in one-on-one situations and intelligent positioning will ensure that he adds significant value defensively, whereas in possession, he is composed on the ball and makes sound passes.

Although he has been a right back for much of his time at Barca, Kounde is naturally a central defender, so he could add tremendous value in that position too for Liverpool, who are short of numbers across their backline.

It will be interesting to see if Liverpool attempt Kounde’s signing in January itself or are prepared to wait until next summer in order to materialise their interest in him, when they may even explore Ronald Araujo’s signing on a permanent basis.