Liverpool and manchester united they are supposedly interested in signing Barcelona star Jules Kounde this summer, according to the Spanish media Sport.
Having endured a terrible campaign this season, the Red Devils are expected to revamp their squad ahead of next season. It has been suggested that Erik ten Hag He wants to strengthen the attack and midfield, but strengthening the defense by hiring a new defender is also on his to-do list this summer.
However, it has been suggested that after United's problems this season, Ten Hag's future is not assured at Old Trafford and there is a possibility he could be sacked before next season.
A few defensive options have been linked with a move to Old Trafford in recent times, including Jarrad Branthwaite, Jean-Clair Todibo and Antonio Silva. But Kounde is now emerging as a serious option.
By quoting and translating the printed version of Sport, sports witness has reported that Kounde is “on the radar” at Man Utd and they could try to sign him during the off-season.
Battle
The report further claims that Barcelona are currently in financial difficulties, so could be willing to cash in on the Frenchman to balance the books and want at least £51m. Therefore, the Red Devils will have to spend a lot of money to get the defender's signature.
However, Sport claims that Liverpool are also interested in signing Kounde, so Man Utd will face stiff competition from their arch-rivals to secure any potential deal for him.
With Joel Matip's contract expiring at the end of this season, Liverpool need to sign a new defender as a possible replacement for the Cameroonian if he eventually leaves the club on a free transfer.
Kounde is a versatile player, as he has center-back traits, but can also be deployed in the right-back position. He is comfortable playing from the back, is efficient in defensive contributions and also reads the game well.
Therefore, he could be a shrewd signing for Man Utd or Liverpool if either club buys him. However, the Barcelona star lacks the physique to play as a center back in the first division And besides, it's not fast enough. Therefore, it would be best for Man Utd or Liverpool to explore other options to strengthen their defensive line in the coming years. transfer window.