Liverpool have been handed a potential boost in their search for defensive reinforcements after Barcelona reportedly reduced their asking price for Jules Koundé, with the France international emerging as a realistic target this summer.
The Reds are expected to reshape their squad following a period of significant change at Anfield. New head coach Andoni Iraola has taken charge after Arne Slot’s departure, while Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konaté have all left the club, increasing the need for reinforcements across several positions.
Koundé has now emerged as one of the defenders Liverpool are monitoring as they look to strengthen both centrally and at right-back.
Sources indicate Barcelona have informed a number of Europe’s leading clubs that the 27-year-old could be available during the current transfer window, with Liverpool among those made aware of his situation. Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United and Bayern Munich have also been alerted.
The France international’s versatility is viewed as a major attraction.
Having excelled as both a central defender and a right-back during his career, Koundé would provide valuable flexibility for Iraola as Liverpool prepare for the new campaign.
Reports suggest Barcelona are now prepared to accept a fee of around £43 million (€50 million/$57 million) for the defender, representing a significant reduction compared with valuations quoted in previous transfer windows.
While the transfer fee has become more attractive, Koundé’s salary remains a potential stumbling block.
The defender is believed to earn more than £200,000 per week, meaning any club pursuing a deal would need to commit to a substantial financial package. Those wage demands are expected to narrow the list of realistic suitors despite the reduced asking price.
Liverpool’s interest comes as uncertainty continues to surround several areas of the squad.
The departures of experienced players have left Iraola with key decisions to make before the new Premier League season, while speculation has also continued over Virgil van Dijk’s long-term future.
Adding an experienced, versatile defender such as Koundé would address multiple needs in one signing, particularly given his ability to operate comfortably across the back line.
Liverpool are also continuing their search for attacking reinforcements.
Replacing Salah remains one of the club’s biggest priorities, and Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola has been among the players linked with a move to Anfield.
However, hopes of landing the French international appear to be fading.
Liverpool journalist Lewis Steele believes Barcola is likely to leave Paris Saint-Germain but suggested Arsenal could currently be his preferred destination.
Speaking about the winger’s future, Steele said: “I do think he probably will end up leaving PSG. He’s got a decision to make and he might prefer Arsenal.”
That development could force Liverpool to explore alternative attacking targets if Barcola opts against a move to Merseyside.
For now, Koundé appears to represent one of the most attainable high-profile options available to the Reds.
Whether Liverpool decide to formalise their interest may ultimately depend on whether Barcelona’s reduced asking price outweighs the significant wage commitment required to complete a deal.
