A new name has started to emerge strongly on Liverpool’s radar ahead of the January transfer window, but this time the story does not involve a player from outside La Liga. Instead, it concerns a Barcelona player whose role has changed dramatically at the beginning of the season.
The current situation has opened the door to a possibility that did not appear particularly close just a few weeks ago. With the player’s position at Barcelona becoming increasingly complicated, Liverpool are monitoring developments closely, and the situation could turn into a concrete move if nothing changes before January.
According to the report, Liverpool are monitoring Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde with a potential move in mind for the January transfer window. The interest comes at a time when the 22-year-old has suffered a significant decline in his position within the Catalan club’s pecking order.
Balde has started the current season third in the left-back hierarchy, behind Xavi Espart and Joao Cancelo. Remarkably, he has yet to play a single minute despite being fit and available for Barcelona’s first six matches of the campaign.
The sudden decline in his role has raised questions over his future at Barcelona, particularly as the player cannot afford to see his career stagnate because of a lack of playing opportunities. If he remains on the fringes of the squad in the coming weeks, the possibility of a January departure could become increasingly realistic.
Manchester United had shown interest in signing Balde during the summer transfer window before abandoning their pursuit. However, their Premier League rivals Liverpool have now emerged as one of the strongest candidates for his signature, according to the report citing Catalan newspaper Sport.
Liverpool’s interest in Balde comes amid the club’s need for solutions at left-back, which could make the Barcelona defender an attractive option if the Reds decide to formally enter negotiations in January.
Barcelona, meanwhile, are reportedly prepared to allow Balde to leave if he wants a new challenge, particularly with his current contract running until 2028. An asking price of around €40 million has been set, a figure that is not expected to represent a major obstacle for Liverpool.
Balde possesses qualities that make him an attractive target, not only because of his age but also because of his experience with Barcelona and his ability to operate at a high level at left-back. His continued lack of playing time could therefore push both the player and the club to seriously consider a transfer.
At this stage, there is no confirmed deal and no official Liverpool offer has been announced. However, the coming weeks could prove crucial in determining Balde’s future. If he remains outside the first-team plans as January approaches, Liverpool could be ready to make an approach and attempt to take advantage of his situation at Barcelona.
Liverpool’s relationship with Barcelona could therefore return to the transfer market once again after Ronald Araujo joined the English club on loan. This time, Alejandro Balde could be the next Barcelona name to attract the Reds’ attention.
“`