Liverpool may reconsider their pursuit of Barcelona defender Jules Kounde following the impressive performances of Ronald Araujo. According to Football Insider, the future of the French player in the Merseyside club's transfer plans largely hinges on whether they decide to secure Araujo on a permanent deal.
Araujo joined the team under Andoni Iraola last summer and has quickly become a key figure in defence. Due to issues on the right flank, the coaching staff began utilising the 27-year-old in that position, and the experiment has proven to be a success.
The Uruguayan has featured in seven matches this season, starting in the last three Premier League fixtures.
His performances have convinced Iraola that the urgent need to seek a new right-back is no longer as pressing.
Meanwhile, Liverpool continue to monitor Jules Kounde. The Frenchman has lost his starting spot at Barcelona under Hansi Flick in recent weeks and is viewed by the Merseysiders as a potential addition.
However, the transfer might not materialise if the club decides to keep Araujo on a full-time basis.
In a recent episode of the Transfer Insider podcast, a journalist from Football Insider elaborated:
In recent weeks, Liverpool have used Ronald Araujo as a right-back.
It's fair to say the Uruguayan has been outstanding and has become an important player for Andoni Iraola. Therefore, the purchase of a new right-back is no longer a top priority.
According to the journalist, clarity on the situation is expected as the summer transfer window approaches.
He added:
At the end of the season, Liverpool may once again consider strengthening the right side of their defence. Everything will depend on the decision regarding Araujo.
If the club chooses to buy out his contract, the necessity to bring in a player like Jules Kounde may simply disappear.
A buyout clause in Araujo's loan deal has been set at £47 million.
However, Liverpool do not intend to rush into a buyout. The hierarchy plan to assess the Uruguayan's performance throughout the season before making a final decision.
According to the source, if Araujo continues to perform at his current level, the Merseysiders will be keen to activate the buyout option.
Thus, Kounde's future may hinge not only on his standing at Barcelona but also on how effectively Araujo performs for the remainder of the season at Anfield.
