Richard Hughes can't miss perfect deal for transfer-listed Barcelona star

It’s no secret Liverpool are tracking right-backs.

Last summer’s blueprint for replacing Trent Alexander-Arnold simply hasn’t worked. Conor Bradley was given a new contract but has spent 2026 injured thus far and no return date has been pencilled in for the Northern Ireland international.

Jeremie Frimpong was signed from Bayer Leverkusen for £29.5m but looks ill at ease at right back and - besides - he too has suffered far too much injury trouble.

Joe Gomez, Wataru Endo, Curtis Jones and Dominik Szoboszlai were among the stop-gap solutions proposed by Arne Slot but it is clear that a long-term incumbent will be required.

Liverpool get ideal opportunity to sign Jules Kounde

And the perfect opportunity could be about to present itself to Richard Hughes and new coach Andoni Iraola. Jules Kounde, 27, is set to be marketed by Barcelona this summer according to a report in Sport.

The cash-strapped Catalans once again require sales before they can complete any significant incoming deals. And following a uneven season in the right-back slot the France star could be sacrificed.

“For new players to arrive, departures will first have to take place,” the report reads.

“And that's when Jules Koundé's name comes up. The French international remains an important player in the Barcelona project, but he no longer has the "untouchable" status he might have had just a year ago.

“Not because Barça wants to get rid of him, but because the club understands that a significant offer would, at the very least, force them to listen.”

Liverpool previously linked with Kounde deal

Liverpool’s interest wouldn’t simply come out of the clear blue sky as previous reports have shown the outgoing Premier League champions to be tracking the £60m-rated defender.

One complication is that Kounde looks content to remain at Camp Nou and battle it out for a starting spot under Hansi Flick next season.

“Koundé is happy in Barcelona and has no intention of leaving the club this summer,” the report reads.

“Therefore, as of today, any move at right-back still depends on a condition that seems unlikely: that Jules Koundé decides to change course.”

Jules Koundé: Situation summary

Jules Koundé has evolved into Barcelona’s first-choice right-sided defender, a France international who arrived from Sevilla in 2022 for around 50m euros and has since become a mainstay under multiple coaches.

Originally a centre-back, he now operates primarily at right-back for Barça and France, combining recovery pace, aggressiveness in duels and clean progression on the ball, forming a productive right-flank partnership with Lamine Yamal.

His contract was extended in 2025 to run through 2030, reflecting how central he had become to the defensive structure, even if not in his preferred position.

That long deal gives Barça protection but also makes him one of the more liquid assets in a squad that still needs sales, with reports in Spain stressing that he is no longer viewed as strictly “untouchable” at board level.

Koundé, for his part, has publicly pointed to his commitment and length of contract when asked about his future, framing any exit as something that would require alignment between player, club and suitors.

Financially, Barça are prepared to listen to offers this summer, and there is recurrent Premier League interest, particularly from English clubs seeking an athletic, build-up friendly right-back who can tuck in as a third centre-back.

A move to England – Chelsea and Manchester City have both tracked him in recent windows – profiles as the most logical medium-term destination if a sizeable bid arrives, given his age, versatility and Champions League pedigree.

Equally, the contract to 2030 means Barça can hold out for a premium fee or simply keep a high-level starter if the market does not meet their valuation.

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