Transfer News: Liverpool ruled out of the race for Sevilla and France international Jules Kounde
According to French outlet L’Equipe (h/t Liverpool Echo), Liverpool are considered to be ‘nowhere near the race’ to sign 23-year-old Sevilla defender Jules Kounde.
There were recent rumours about the Reds willing to meet the player’s release clause and beat Chelsea to Kounde’s signature, but the French media outlet has dismissed all whispers of a move to Anfield for the defender- either this month or in the summer.
Kounde has been one of the most impressive young defenders in Europe with his performances for Sevilla and France. But it is now suggested that Liverpool do not stand a chance to snap up the France international anytime soon.
The Times (Subscription Required) had earlier revealed that Liverpool were previously interested in signing Kounde, but the defender’s height was a concern for the Merseyside club. Passing on the Frenchman, the club instead signed RB Leipzig’s Ibrahima Konate in the summer.
Kounde to LFC a no-go?
Konate has slowly but surely found his way into the Liverpool backline, and the Reds would certainly be happy with the summer signing. A young and physically imposing defender, Konate could well be the man to lead our backline in the future.
Having just made a big defensive signing in the summer, the club is unlikely to go back into the market to spend big on another central defender- especially considering the fact that they are happy with Konate. And it makes sense as well, given that we don’t really need another senior defender in the mix.
With senior defenders Virgil Van Dijk and Joel Matip back in contention after their major injuries last year, and summer signing Konate settling into life at Anfield, the news about Liverpool being ruled out of the race to sign Kounde would not impact us too much.
Apart from the experienced defenders we have available, English duo Joe Gomez and Nat Phillips also make up a part of our backline, showing just how much defensive depth we have in our squad.
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We have enough defensive cover available to see us through the end of the campaign. Klopp has relied on our Academy graduates at times to fill in for our injured defenders for cup ties this season, and the youngsters have duly risen to the occasion.
Sevilla would certainly not want to lose a prized asset such as Kounde on the cheap. It would be significantly wiser on our part if we focus our time and funds on strengthening other key areas of the pitch- especially the attack.
