Liverpool and United handed Kounde opportunity as Barcelona open door to offers

Both Liverpool and Manchester United have received a potential boost in their summer defensive recruitment plans, with Barcelona signalling a willingness to discuss terms over Jules Kounde's departure.

The two Red Devils are expected to strengthen their backlines during the off-season window, particularly given ongoing concerns over various squad members' futures. Liverpool's defensive planning has been complicated by the expected departure of Ibrahima Konate on a free transfer, whilst Manchester United are keen to bolster their right-side options.

The Reds have already identified Rennes centre-back Jeremy Jacquet as a priority target, with a £60m deal mooted for the summer. Their search for defensive reinforcements follows their failure to land Marc Guehi last summer. Winter considerations also included a move for RB Leipzig's Lutsharel Geertruida, prompted by injuries to Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong.

Barcelona's openness to Kounde's sale represents an intriguing development for Merseyside and Old Trafford alike. Spanish outlet Fichajes reports the Catalan outfit will entertain offers for the France international, with Chelsea also tracking developments. The asking price sits in the region of €80m, though Barcelona's initial valuation stands closer to €65m—a gap the club believes English interest can help bridge.

Hansi Flick's coaching staff have reportedly sought greater consistency from Kounde, who is capable of operating as either a centre-back or right-back. The report suggests his performances have been patchy, combining assured displays with moments of concerning lapses in concentration. Beyond on-pitch considerations, Barcelona's board view the player as a potential asset to move should the financial circumstances prove favourable, particularly given the club's ongoing need to balance the books.

The Premier League's financial appeal to Kounde is viewed as significant, with Barcelona banking on competition between Liverpool, United, and Chelsea to drive his valuation upwards.

Dayot Upamecano, Kounde's France colleague, has previously lauded the defender's qualities. After facing him in Champions League action, Upamecano reflected: "He's a confident player and I hope things continue that way. He's also a leader and he's beginning to have a lot of experience. I wish him all the best."

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has outlined the philosophy behind the Jacquet pursuit, framing it within a broader strategy of recruiting young talent with significant upside potential whilst acknowledging Virgil van Dijk's eventual decline. Speaking on Wednesday, Slot explained: "Everything that is done is never from panic. It's always long term idea or something that is thought about for a long time and not by just one person, but by multiple persons.

"We are aware of the fact that Virgil won't play for this club for 10 more years. But he has one and a half years left. He will be with us for that period and maybe even longer if he keeps staying as fit as he is now.

"What a compliment to him, at his age, to keep playing every three days. Not only for our club, but also for his country, for seven or eight months already. Hopefully he can stay as fit as he is for multiple years, but this club is not stupid. We do know somewhere in the upcoming years, there is life for this club without Virgil.

"You can say this for every position. This club is not only thinking about the short-term future, but also for the mid to long-term future as well."