Liverpool have made a decent start to life under Andoni Iraola, as they find themselves in the top five of the Premier League nine matchdays into the campaign, whilst also being in a strong position in the Champions League.
However, there are still some gaps in their squad, not least in defence and it is expected that they will look to revamp their backline next year. Investments could be made as soon as in January with the Reds already identifying their chief winter target.
Juan Jesus has reported that Liverpool are keen on signing Barcelona left back Alejandro Balde. Manchester United are already keeping tabs on the Spaniard, who has been valued at £38 million by his employers.
In recent months, Balde’s role at Barca has been peripheral with Hansi Flick frequently using Gerard Martin and Joao Cancelo at left back, and in spite of staying put at Camp Nou this summer, the 23-year-old may be on the move early in 2027.
Liverpool to be in an advantageous position to sign Balde
Manchester United’s interest in Alejandro Balde is far from new. The Red Devils had been keen on the Barcelona full back since the summer as they looked to replace Luke Shaw and though a transfer did not materialise then, they will be in the mix in 2027.
With that said, it is fair to believe Liverpool would be the favourites to trump Man United to secure Balde’s signing given Milos’ Kerkez poor form, and how much of an upgrade the Spaniard would be over the Hungarian as well as Kostas Tsimikas.
Balde is excellent at the back, particularly in one-on-one situations. One of La Liga’s fastest full backs, he covers ground effectively, tracks his man well and can win physical duels, besides being a handy asset higher up the pitch.
Alejandro Balde has a good understanding of the game when in possession as he makes intelligent decisions in the final third, exchanges passes well and can exploit wide areas in the opponent’s half to stretch defences and create space in the box.
Given his secondary role at Barcelona, the Catalans might be open to selling him as soon as in January and his signing would give Liverpool a significant revamp at left back to achieve their goals in the second half of the campaign.
Other News
