Liverpool are reportedly preparing an €80million (£69m) bid for Barcelona defender Jules Kounde, while also closely monitoring Porto winger Oskar Pietuszewski, according to reports from Mundo Deportivo and Record. The potential acquisitions signal Liverpool’s intent to reinforce both their right-back and left-wing positions ahead of next season.
The interest in Kounde comes as Liverpool seek to solidify a right-back role that has proven problematic since Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure. Current occupant Jeremie Frimpong has struggled with the physicality of the Premier League, prompting manager Arne Slot to consider alternatives. Kounde, a France international with 186 appearances for Barcelona, would represent an immediate upgrade, offering both defensive solidity and attacking impetus. Barcelona are reportedly open to offers for Kounde, Alejandro Balde, and Marc Casado to generate transfer funds.
Alongside the pursuit of Kounde, Liverpool are also tracking 17-year-old Porto winger Oskar Pietuszewski, who has drawn comparisons to Luis Diaz. The Portuguese outlet Record claims the club is ‘keeping a close eye’ on the player, who has a £52million release clause in his contract. Pietuszewski joined Porto from Jagiellonia Białystok in January and has quickly established himself as a key player, scoring three goals and providing four assists in 14 Portuguese top-flight appearances. His playing style is said to mirror that of Diaz, who recently enjoyed a successful spell at Bayern Munich, scoring 26 goals and providing 21 assists in 47 games.
Liverpool’s interest in Pietuszewski is not exclusive, with Manchester United, Manchester City, and Chelsea also reportedly monitoring the young winger. However, Porto are planning to offer Pietuszewski a new contract with an increased release clause, meaning Liverpool may need to act swiftly to secure his signature. The potential arrival of Kounde would resolve immediate concerns at right-back, while Pietuszewski would add depth and competition on the left flank, potentially addressing the comparatively modest goal contributions of Cody Gakpo, who has 15 goals and assists in 49 outings.
