La Liga heavyweights Barcelona have reportedly set their sights on 24-year-old Sevilla defender Loic Bade as a candidate to replace Jules Kounde.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Loic Bade is the subject of interest from FC Barcelona. The Catalan giants are scouring the market for a defender ahead of the two transfer windows next year as they sweat over the long-term future of Jules Kounde. The French international has recently emerged as a target for Liverpool.
The Loic Bade story
Loic Bade has established himself as one of the best young defenders in La Liga since joining Sevilla from Stade Rennais. A native of Sèvres, the Frenchman spent his formative years in his homeland, passing through the academies at four clubs and graduating from the youth division at Le Havre AC.
Sevilla initially signed Bade on loan in January 2023 before completing a permanent move in the subsequent summer transfer window. The 24-year-old has turned out over 50 times thus far for the Andalusian outfit while chipping in with two goals and two assists. He was recently a part of the French squad that won the silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Meanwhile, Loic Bade’s progress at Sevilla FC has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs across Europe. Recent reports have linked the French defender with Liverpool. The latest report has suggested that the highly-rated centre-back is a target for FC Barcelona.
Move across La Liga on the cards?
Barcelona’s interest in Loic Bade is understandable. The Catalan giants are in a spot of bother over the long-term future of Jules Kounde. The French international has recently emerged as a target for Liverpool, with the Merseyside club viewing him as a long-term replacement for the Real Madrid-linked Trent Alexander-Arnold.
So, Kounde’s compatriot has emerged as a target for Barcelona, with the Frenchman’s experience in La Liga making him an appealing target. The 24-year-old should not take long to settle down at the Catalan club if he arrives from Sevilla next year.
However, with Liverpool also keen on signing Bade to bolster the central defensive unit, Barcelona will face stiff competition for the French defender’s signature. It will be interesting to see where the Olympics 2024 silver medalist plies his trade next year.
