Liverpool must pay €70m to secure in-demand right-back

It looks as though Liverpool will LOSE Trent Alexander-Arnold at the end of the season. The Reds have been crowned Premier League champions - and kings of England for the 20th time - but that might not be enough for Trent to stick around.

Alexander-Arnold, 26, is expected to wrap up a high-profile free transfer to Real Madrid when his Liverpool contract expires.

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Out of contract at the end of June, the England international is set for a money-spinning Bosman deal - said to be worth €400,000 per week and an €18m signing-on fee.

Conor Bradley is a suitable replacement for Alexander-Arnold but could do with competition. Not to mention, the 21-year-old’s recent injury history has been patchy.

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Accordingly, plenty of right-backs have been linked with Liverpool including Wesley Franca, Lutsharel Geertruida and Vanderson. But one more intriguing name has now appeared on the list in the form of Real Madrid slayer Jules Kounde.

Kounde SLAYS Real Madrid

The Barcelona defender scored the winning goal in the weekend’s dramatic Copa del Rey final, striking in extra time to vanquish Los Blancos.

Initially a centre-back, the 26-year-old has instead provided solidity on the right side of Hansi Flick’s defence.

The Frenchman is out of contract in 2027 but Barcelona currently have several other contract priorities in the queue ahead of Kounde - including Liverpool target Lamine Yamal.

Now El Nacional is reporting that Liverpool are ready to test Barca’s resolve for Kounde with a bid of up to €70 million. It also adds that budgetary concerns could force the club into sales they wouldn’t ordinarily consider.

Liverpool willing to pay €70m for Kounde

“Liverpool have placed Jules Kounde's name at the top of their list of priorities,” the report states.

“The temptation of a multi-million-dollar transfer could reopen an old internal debate within the Catalan club.

“With a still fragile financial situation and the need to close deals that allow for the registration of priority signings, Barça could be forced to listen to significant offers.”

No doubt Kounde is a high-quality and versatile performer, but €70m seems extremely high for a right-back - especially with Bradley ready to take over if Trent leaves.

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But Barca are in financial dire straits - despite an excellent season on the field - and could be open to negotiations if Richard Hughes decides to strike.