Jules Kounde (Getty Images)
According to 90min (h/t Liverpool Echo), Liverpool have Jules Kounde as one of the players on their shortlist to cover for Virgil Van Dijk. The report mentions Ozan Kabak, Pau Torres, Mykola Matvienko and Dayot Upamecano as the other defenders to be targeted by the Reds.
Born in France, Kounde spent time at the academies of Landiras, Cerons and La Brede before joining Bordeaux’s youth system. He made his senior bow in the 2017/18 campaign and went on to make 70 appearances for the club before joining Sevilla in a £22m deal last summer.
Since his arrival in Spain, the 21-year-old has established himself as one of the best young defenders in La Liga. He was impressive for the Andalusian outfit last season. He made 40 appearances last season, helping them finish in the top four and also lift the Europa League (source – Transfermarkt).
The youngster is a part of the France U-21 squad and has made 4 appearances so far, scoring once.
Liverpool have been dealt one blow after the other, with their centre-back options dwindling by the day. The biggest problem, however, is Virgil Van Dijk being ruled out for the season with an ACL injury. They need an able player to play in that spot now and then partner him in the future.
Enter Jules Kounde. The young French centre-back is one of the hottest prospects in Spain right now. He has already won the Europa League last season and was a big part of that campaign. With each passing game, he is improving by leaps and bounds.
Liverpool need someone exactly like that. Joe Gomez is yet to prove his mettle and Matip is slowly ageing. For Kounde, it would represent a huge challenge but it is one that he will likely relish.
Kounde could be a very useful addition for the Reds as they attempt to sort out their defence. His mobility would complement Van Dijk’s style of play. He can cover long distances with ease, thereby being able to put in the last-ditch tackle if the defence is caught out of position.
He would be a great signing for them and looks one of the better options from the 5-man shortlist that they have prepared. The defender is in demand (source – Daily Mail) as Manchester United have been credited with an interest in him. The Reds need to wrap up a deal soon if they are to land him.
