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The Anfield recruitment machine is shifting into high gear. Reports emerging on Thursday, February 12, 2026, suggest that Liverpool are preparing a massive €80 million (£69.5m) offer to pry Jules Koundé away from Barcelona this summer.
With Arne Slot’s defensive options decimated by a brutal injury crisis, the 27-year-old Frenchman has reportedly become the "Plan A" to stabilize the Reds' backline for the 2026/27 campaign.
The "Right-Back" Emergency: Why Liverpool are Desperate
While Koundé is naturally a center-back, his transformation into an elite right-back at Barça is exactly what Liverpool need. Their current situation at the position has reached "critical" levels:
Conor Bradley: Currently recovering from major knee surgery; reports suggest he may not return until 2027.
Jeremie Frimpong: The summer signing's debut season has been plagued by recurring fitness issues.
Wataru Endo: Used as a makeshift right-back in the win over Sunderland (Feb 10), only to be stretchered off with a serious ankle injury.
The Result: Arne Slot has been forced to use Dominik Szoboszlai as a wing-back in recent training sessions just to fill the gap.
The Barcelona Stance: Business or Pillar?
Barcelona find themselves in a complex position. Hansi Flick considers Koundé a "structural pillar," but the club's finances might dictate otherwise.
Transfer Insider: "Liverpool have already committed £60m for Jeremy Jacquet to arrive in July, but the Koundé move is seen as the final piece of the puzzle.
If Liverpool hit the €80m mark, Barcelona’s board will find it nearly impossible to say no given their desire to sign Julian Alvarez."
The Verdict: This move makes total sense for a Liverpool team that has looked defensively vulnerable due to a lack of specialized depth. While Koundé is "happy" in Spain, the lure of the Premier League and a guaranteed starting role in his preferred hybrid defensive position might be enough to see him swap the Nou Camp for Anfield.