According to Spanish outlet Sport, Liverpool are weighing up a January move to sign Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde.
The Reds currently have Milos Kerkez and Kostas Tsimikas as their left-back options. Kerkez has been the regular choice under manager Andoni Iraola, and Tsimikas has struggled to provide sufficient competition.
Iraola may want an upgrade in the department at the turn of the year and Sport claim that Liverpool have now joined the pursuit of Balde, who was on the radar of Inter Milan and Manchester United over the summer.
Balde chose to stay with Barcelona despite the lack of assurances of playing time under manager Hansi Flick, but the decision has not proved worthwhile as he has not played a single minute in the La Liga or Champions League.
This could open the door for his permanent exit this winter. Sport claim that he could be available for around £34 million, having become the third-choice left-back at Barcelona behind Xavi Espart and Joao Cancelo this term.
Liverpool have a good relationship with the Blaugrana after recently signing Ronald Araujo on an initial loan deal. As per Sport, Iraola would consider the opportunity to land the highly-rated Balde during the winter transfer window.
Good talent
Balde was one of Barcelona’s standout players not so long ago. He has lost his way due to injuries and competition for places. The Spaniard played second fiddle to Cancelo for the left-back position during the second half of the 2025/26 season.
Cancelo has not been a regular starter for the Catalan giants this term but Balde has still found himself out of contention due to the emergence of Xavi Espart, who has been exceptional from the left side of the backline for the Spanish champions.
Espart developed in the La Masia academy as a right-back, given he is right-footed, but Flick has got the best out of him on the opposite end. The 19-year-old has already registered 1 goal and provided 2 assists in five La Liga appearances this season.
Hence, Balde finds himself completely out of favour which could urge him to move on. He could be tempted to reunite with Araujo at Liverpool, having seen the Uruguayan become a regular from right-back after losing his starting spot at Barcelona.
The 22-year-old has every chance to displace Kerkez to become the outright left-back for the Reds if he can stay fit. At £34m, he would represent a bargain signing for Liverpool, given his strong distribution and good link-up play in the final third.
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