Liverpool reportedly eye Jules Koundé as Barcelona weigh a summer exit

Who, what and why it matters

Liverpool are reportedly prepared to offer €80 million (around $93.6 million) for Barcelona defender Jules Koundé in the summer 2026 transfer window, according to a report republished by World Soccer Talk. The story says Koundé — established as Barcelona’s first‑choice right‑back under Hansi Flick — could be tempted by a move to the Premier League. If true, the potential transfer would be one of the higher‑profile defensive moves of the 2026 window and would have significant implications for both clubs’ squad planning.

What the report claims

World Soccer Talk’s piece republishes claims from Spanish outlets and a journalist thread (via Gabriel Sans and Mundo Deportivo) that Liverpool are 'fully open' to offering €80m for Koundé. The article highlights that Barcelona paid roughly €50m to sign Koundé in 2022 and that the defender remains under contract at Barça until 2030. It also notes Koundé’s conversion into a right‑back under Hansi Flick has made him a key starter for the first team.

The same reporting suggests Barcelona could be open to sanctioning departures to raise funds for other reinforcements — with names mentioned as possible departures including Ronald Araújo, Alejandro Balde, Marc Casadó and Roony Bardghji — and that the club has transfer priorities such as Julián Álvarez and Alessandro Bastoni for 2026‑27. In that context, the report says Koundé’s sale could be used to help finance a broader squad rebuild and to comply with LaLiga’s 1:1 rule.

Replacement plans and alternatives

According to the reporting summarized by World Soccer Talk, Barcelona have identified Rayo Vallecano’s Andrei Răuțiu as one possible right‑back alternative should Koundé depart. The report adds that Răuțiu has a contract renewal including a reported €25m release clause, which would require negotiation if Barcelona were to pursue him.

Key points

• Report: Liverpool reportedly open to offering €80m (≈ $93.6m) for Jules Koundé in summer 2026.
• Koundé has been a regular starter for Barcelona under Hansi Flick and converted into a right‑back role.
• Koundé is contracted to Barcelona until 2030; Barça paid around €50m for him in 2022.
• Barcelona are reportedly considering several departures to fund a squad rebuild and comply with LaLiga rules.
• Barcelona have been linked with Rayo Vallecano full‑back Andrei Răuțiu as a potential replacement; a reported release clause of €25m is mentioned.

Context: squad building and competition

The report frames Koundé’s potential exit within a wider Barcelona rebuild aimed at strengthening both defence and attack ahead of the 2026‑27 season. It also points to Barcelona’s reported transfer targets (including Julián Álvarez and Alessandro Bastoni) and a possible list of departures to generate funds. For Liverpool, the reported interest stems from a perceived need for a reliable right‑back.

What happens next

At present these are media claims rather than confirmed deals. The next steps that would provide clarity are: an official offer lodged by Liverpool, confirmation from Barcelona about Koundé’s availability, or comments from the player or his representatives. Until primary sources confirm the fee, a completed transfer, or club statements, the move should be treated as a reported interest rather than a done deal.