Liverpool in Transfer Talks for Top Barcelona Ace

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Liverpool’s Premier League journey last season concluded with an unsettling defensive display that allowed Southampton, a relegated side, to net four against them. While Liverpool enjoyed a third-place ranking for their attack, the defence, unfortunately, was positioned seventh, directly contributing to their failure to break into the top four.

To enhance their backline, Liverpool are reportedly setting their sights on Barcelona’s Jules Kounde. This intel comes from Spanish media outlet, Nacional, who report on Liverpool’s bid for the French defender. Kounde’s desire to leave, despite Xavi’s wish to retain him at Barcelona, further piques Liverpool’s interest.

The Making of Kounde

Kounde caught the football world’s attention with his performances at Sevilla, where he played as a central defender. His contributions to France’s Nations League triumph two years ago consolidated his reputation. Notably, Kounde declined Chelsea’s interest to join Barcelona where he was deployed at right-back by coach Xavi, a departure from his familiar central defensive role.

Barcelona’s defence, with Kounde as a key element, has managed to concede just 18 goals in 37 league games this season. His Nou Camp tenure began with a transfer fee north of 50 million euros, and according to Catalan sources, the club isn’t keen on letting him go for less than 80 million euros (£69.5m).

Despite Xavi’s preference for Christensen over Kounde, the latter demonstrated his capabilities in the centre-back position against Mallorca. Kounde’s versatility, which saw him play as a right-back for France in the FIFA World Cup in Qatar last year, could potentially solve some of the defensive issues Liverpool faces under Klopp.

The question remains: should Liverpool secure the signature of Kounde? Given his proven abilities and versatility, Kounde’s addition could potentially bolster Liverpool’s defence.

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The final Premier League prize money for Aston Villa, Liverpool, Arsenal, Newcastle and rivals…

Here are the staggering prize money totals set to be earned by all 20 clubs in the Premier League at the end of the 2022/23 season.

After 38 thrilling gameweeks of action, the 2022/23 Premier League campaign has now come to an end. Manchester City finished the season as champions but Arsenal weren’t far behind, whereas Leicester City, Leeds United and Southampton were the three clubs to face relegation after a tense final day.

Aston Villa, Brighton & Hove Albion and Newcastle United rocked the boat in the top seven, knocking two of the so-called ‘big six’ – Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea – out of the European places. Liverpool had a disappointing campaign but managed to qualify for the Europa League with a late flurry of results.

Meanwhile, Brentford and Fulham put up a great fight to surprise plenty by finishing in the top 10 and the likes of AFC Bournemouth, Wolverhampton Wanderers, West Ham United and Nottingham Forest recovered brilliantly to survive relegation. Everton also stayed up by the skin of their teeth with a last-ditch 1-0 win.

Now the curtains have closed on yet another campaign, all 20 clubs will receive their prize money payments for their respective finishing positions. Last season, it was £2.2 million for every extra place – in addition to a base fee of around £84 million as television revenue. With those figures in mind, here’s the prize money all 20 teams are set to earn this time around.

1. Premier League prize money all 20 clubs are set to earn for the 2022/23 season

Flick through the pages for a run-through of the projected totals.

2. 20th: Southampton

Estimated prize money including base TV revenue: £86.2 million

3. 19th: Leeds United

Estimated prize money including base TV revenue: £88.8 million

4. 18th: Leicester City

Estimated prize money including base TV revenue: £91 million