Report: Liverpool eye possible transfer for star Lamine Yamal thinks is one of the best around
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Lamine Yamal has already given his seal of approval to a player Liverpool are now being linked with ahead of the 2026 summer transfer window.The Reds’ transfer budget could be reduced if they fail to qualify for the Champions League, but it is still expected to be an important summer at Anfield.Now, reports in the Spanish press are suggesting that Liverpool are interested in a move for France and FC Barcelona defender Jules Kounde. You can only pick ONE player for Liverpool to sign this summer, who is it?
Who should Richard Hughes be targeting above all… Photo Credit: Getty Images/Robin Jones Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea interested in Jules KoundeAccording to Mundo Deportivo, the Merseyside outfit, Manchester City and Chelsea are all keeping a close eye on the versatile defender, Barcelona have learned.Kounde signed a new contract with the Spanish powerhouse in August 2025, which keeps him at the club until 2030.However, despite his lengthy contract, it is thought that depending on what offers arrive for the player, Barca and Kounde could ‘consider his departure’.Landing a defender of his quality would certainly be a coup for any side, and superstar Lamine Yamal has already shared his verdict on the reported Liverpool target, commenting on an Instagram post in July 2025 to call him the best right-back in the world.He wrote: “Best RB [right-back] in the world rn [right now].”Why Jules Kounde is perfect for LiverpoolKounde began his career as a centre-back and can still play there on occasion for Barcelona.However, he has been moved into a right-back role over the last several years, where he is excelling.Liverpool could lose Joe Gomez in the summer, and the Barca ace would be a like-for-like replacement, except he is much better and less injury-prone.Alternatively, instead of playing as a right-back in a back-four, the 27-year-old could quite easily be deployed as a right-sided centre-back in a back-three.Xabi Alonso continues to be linked to Liverpool, and the Spaniard does prefer to play with a 3-5-2/3-4-3.Fellow centre-back Jeremy Jacquet is similarly productive in a three-back, which could open the door to Liverpool playing two strikers so that Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike can start together.Join Our NewsletterReceive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox