Liverpool’s €15 million clause could bring a Champions League defender

A clause of under €15 million could see Liverpool secure a League‑experienced defender as Barcelona chase Aymeric Laporte, leaving Jules Kounde potentially on the move. The Reds are eager to plug a glaring defensive gap after a season that barely delivered a Champions League spot.

Liverpool are keen to plug that gap under the guidance of Andoni Iraola, who has taken charge and is focused on shoring up the back line. Barcelona’s pursuit of Aymeric Laporte may free Jules Kounde, creating a realistic target for the English club.

The Reds see the Frenchman as a versatile centre‑back or right‑back who could bolster a squad still rebuilding. His ability to operate in both positions would give Liverpool tactical flexibility.

Last season will be one that fans will want to quickly forget, having only scraped a Champions League finish and leaving supporters hungry for silverware. The campaign highlighted the need for a stronger back line to compete at the highest level.

Now that they have Andoni Iraola in charge, the club feels it is taking a step in the right direction, with the new manager’s vision centred on shoring up the defence. Iraola’s plan emphasises solidity at the heart of the team.

One of the main areas requiring upgrade is the back four: Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konaté are exiting, while Virgil van Dijk’s contract runs out in June 2027, leaving two massive voids that Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni alone cannot fill.

Barcelona, La Liga champions, have signalled a desire to sign Aymeric Laporte, a move that could open the door for Jules Kounde to leave. Journalist Carlos Monfort wrote on X: "Barça, after Laporte," adding that the club has already contacted the Frenchman’s entourage and that "the player sees it favourably. Clause under 15 million. Low cost, left‑footed, and good tandem with Cubarsí."

The French defender has been linked with Liverpool before and his ability to operate both centrally and on the right would give the Reds tactical flexibility. The reported clause under €15 million makes him a financially realistic target for a club with a limited budget.

Liverpool must Get the right defender without overspending, and Kounde’s potential availability aligns with their fiscal constraints, making the prospect especially appealing.

There are still many moving parts to iron out before any deal materialises. The final decision will depend on Barcelona’s progress with Laporte, Kounde’s willingness to move, and Liverpool’s ability to meet the financial terms while reinforcing a defence that has lost key figures.