Liverpool Eye Jules Kounde as Jeremie Frimpong Doubts Grow
Liverpool have begun assessing right-back options as doubts grow over Jeremie Frimpong’s defensive consistency, with Barcelona’s Jules Kounde among the players under consideration.
Right-back situation
| Item | Detail | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Frimpong fee | £29.5 million | Signed from Bayer Leverkusen last year |
| League starts | 2 opening matches | Frimpong was then an unused starter for the next three domestic games |
| Clean sheets | 3 in a row | Recorded after his removal from the starting side |
| Potential target | Jules Kounde | Barcelona and France defender fits Liverpool’s desired profile |
The Anfield club are weighing up whether Frimpong can become their long-term answer on the right of the back line after an uneven first campaign on Merseyside. His attacking value remains clear, but Liverpool want greater reliability without the ball from a player in a conventional four-man defence.
Conor Bradley’s ongoing fitness issues have sharpened the need for cover and competition. Liverpool now face a position of concern despite investing heavily in Frimpong following his successful spell in Germany.
Frimpong’s difficult display in the recent 3-0 loss to Manchester City added to the internal scrutiny. He found it hard to deal with Rayan Cherki’s direct running and attacking threat, with questions raised over his recovery work and defensive positioning.
Andoni Iraola selected the Dutch international for the first two Premier League fixtures, but Frimpong then lost his place for the following three domestic matches. Liverpool kept clean sheets in each of those games, increasing the challenge facing him as he tries to return to the first XI.
His ability going forward is not in dispute. Frimpong offers pace, overlaps and a threat in advanced areas, but Liverpool are looking for a full-back capable of delivering that output while also providing stronger defensive control.
Kounde has emerged as a leading candidate because of his tactical discipline, versatility and defensive record. The France international can operate at right-back or in central defence, potentially giving Liverpool a more secure option across the defensive unit.
What happens next
Liverpool could attempt to act in January, although a winter deal for a player of Kounde’s standing would be complicated. The club may instead wait until next summer rather than force a major mid-season move.
Frimpong has time to change the picture. He must convince Iraola on the training ground and improve the defensive side of his game, or Liverpool’s search for a prominent replacement is likely to accelerate.
