Liverpool and Manchester United have been alerted to a potential move for Jules Kounde, with Barcelona reportedly willing to listen to substantial offers for the France international.
The 27-year-old defender has attracted long-standing interest in the Premier League because he can operate at both centre-back and right-back. Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City are also understood to be monitoring the situation.
Barcelona willing to sell Jules Kounde for the right offer
Barcelona are no longer treating Kounde as untouchable after his role was reduced this season. The Catalan club would consider his departure if a sufficiently large bid arrived.
Kounde has started only a limited number of matches and has fallen behind Eric Garcia in the competition for the right-back position. His reduced involvement has prompted interest from several English clubs.
Chelsea and Arsenal are thought to be showing the strongest interest at present, although Liverpool and Manchester United remain in the picture. Barcelona are reportedly waiting for an offer that would be difficult to reject.
For Liverpool, Kounde’s ability to cover two defensive positions would provide added flexibility as the club considers the long-term future of its back line.
Manchester United have also been assessing defensive targets, and Kounde would offer experience, athleticism and composure to a defence still undergoing change.
The asking price is likely to be a significant obstacle for both clubs. Barcelona are not under pressure to sell, while competition from Chelsea and Arsenal could push the eventual fee higher.
Kounde is not believed to be actively seeking an exit, meaning any transfer would depend on Barcelona receiving an offer that meets their valuation and the player’s situation continuing to change.
Should his reduced role persist, Liverpool and Manchester United may find the opportunity increasingly difficult to ignore, although neither club has a clear path to the defender with several Premier League rivals also involved.
