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Liverpool line up World Cup finalist to replace “world-class” Reds superstar

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Liverpool are interested in signing “one of the best defenders in the world” to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold, according to a fresh report.

It has emerged that Virgil van Dijk is in talks with the Reds over a contract extension, and while nothing concrete has been agreed yet, it does look as though positive progress is being made.

The same cannot be said for Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah, however, with the pair staying quiet regarding their respective Liverpool futures.

The former has been linked with a move to Real Madrid numerous times of late, as the Champions League holders look to bring in a stellar name to add to their squad.

According to a report from Spain, Liverpool see Barcelona right-back Jules Kounde as an ideal replacement for Alexander-Arnold, should he move on to pastures new.

The France international started in the 2022 World Cup final, with his country eventually losing on penalties to Argentina, but he is a player with a proven pedigree at the highest level.

Our thoughts on Liverpool replacing Alexander-Arnold with Kounde…

Hopefully, Liverpool don’t even have to sign Kounde because Alexander-Arnold signs an extension at Anfield, but if that isn’t the case, he stands out as a brilliant replacement option.

The 25-year-old has become a key player at Barca since joining from Sevilla back in 2o22, with former manager Xavi even having this to say about him:

“He was one of the transfers that I asked for. He’s one of the best defenders in the world right now. Stopping Mbappé was a collective effort. Kounde did amazing against Mbappe but Lamine [Yamal] also helped him a lot.”

Kounde isn’t a flamboyant right-back in the mould of Alexander-Arnold, not possessing his level of “world-class” creative ability, but he is an excellent footballer in his own right, defending resolutely but also offering an attacking threat.

The Frenchman has one goal and assist apiece in La Liga this season, as well as averaging two tackles and 1.8 clearances per game in the competition, showing that he is impressive both in and out of possession, and could be a great option for Arne Slot.

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