Liverpool Consider £34m Swoop for Barcelona Star Alejandro Balde

Reds join race for out-of-favour full-back

Liverpool have entered the race to sign Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde in the January transfer window, according to Spanish outlet Sport.

Andoni Iraola currently relies on Milos Kerkez as his first-choice left-back, with Kostas Tsimikas failing to offer meaningful competition for the role. That could prompt the Reds boss to seek reinforcements when the winter window opens.

Sport report that Liverpool have now joined the chase for Balde, who was previously linked with both Inter Milan and Manchester United during the summer transfer window.

The 22-year-old opted to remain at the Camp Nou despite receiving no guarantees over regular football from head coach Hansi Flick. That gamble has badly backfired, with Balde yet to feature in either La Liga or the Champions League this season.

A permanent departure in January now looks increasingly likely, with Sport suggesting Barcelona would consider offers of around £34 million for a player who has slipped to third choice behind Joao Cancelo and academy graduate Xavi Espart.

Liverpool’s Barça connection could work in their favour

Liverpool’s existing relationship with Barcelona, forged through Ronald Araujo’s loan move to Anfield, may give them an edge in negotiations. Iraola is reportedly open to exploring a deal for the Spain international this winter.

My take: Balde’s stock has fallen sharply since Espart’s emergence, but his underlying quality shouldn’t be in doubt — he was among Europe’s most exciting young full-backs only 18 months ago. At £34 million, this looks like shrewd business if Liverpool can get it over the line. Reuniting with Araujo, who has thrived after losing his own starting spot at Barça, could be exactly the reset Balde needs to rediscover his best form on Merseyside.