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Liverpool are reportedly considering a January move for a Barcelona defender after the club’s left-back position emerged as an area Andoni Iraola could look to strengthen following a mixed start to the 2026/27 campaign.
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The player in question is Alejandro Balde, who has fallen down the pecking order at Barcelona after Hansi Flick turned to Xavi Espart and João Cancelo. His lack of regular football has now opened the door to renewed Premier League interest.
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Balde was also on Manchester United’s radar during the summer, with reports indicating that the proposed structure of a deal did not satisfy Barcelona. Liverpool have now emerged as another potential destination for the 22-year-old.
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Despite Balde’s reported £856 million release clause, Spanish reports suggest Barcelona could be willing to consider a significantly lower fee of around £34 million in January if his situation does not change.
September 18, (THEWILL) – Liverpool are reportedly keeping an eye on Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde as Andoni Iraola considers how to strengthen a position that has become an early concern at Anfield.
The Reds made several major additions during the summer transfer window, including Bradley Barcola, Victor Muñoz and Ronald Araújo on loan, but their early-season performances have highlighted areas that could still require attention. The left-back position has been particularly scrutinised, with Milos Kerkez yet to fully convince since his arrival and Kostas Tsimikas also facing questions over his performances.
That has prompted speculation that Liverpool could return to the market in January, with Balde now emerging as a potential solution.
The Barcelona defender was reportedly on Manchester United’s radar during the summer, but a move to Old Trafford failed to materialise. Barcelona were said to have rejected a loan proposal, while other reports indicate that the financial structure of a potential permanent deal also proved difficult for United.
Liverpool’s interest, however, comes at a particularly interesting moment in Balde’s Barcelona career.
The 22-year-old has slipped down the pecking order under Flick, with academy product Xavi Espart and João Cancelo currently preferred at left-back. Balde’s lack of playing time has fuelled speculation that he could seek a move when the January transfer window opens.
Flick has acknowledged that Balde is unhappy with his current situation, although the Barcelona manager has not suggested that the defender has been pushed out of the club.
The situation has nevertheless made the Spaniard a potentially attainable target for Premier League clubs.
Reports from Spain have suggested that Barcelona could consider offers in the region of £34 million for Balde, despite his contract containing a staggering £856 million release clause. The enormous buyout figure is largely a contractual mechanism, meaning any realistic transfer would instead be negotiated directly between the clubs.
Balde’s profile explains why Liverpool could be interested. He has already accumulated significant first-team experience at Barcelona despite being only 22, making 169 appearances for the Catalan giants and providing three goals and 21 assists. He has also earned seven senior caps for Spain.
Liverpool’s existing relationship with Barcelona could further add intrigue to any potential negotiations. The clubs completed the loan transfer of Ronald Araújo during the summer, providing evidence that they are capable of conducting business with one another.
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For Iraola, the attraction would be addressing a position that has already generated debate during the opening weeks of his Liverpool tenure.
Daily Mail journalist Lewis Steele recently suggested that Liverpool could prioritise a new left-back and specifically mentioned Balde when discussing potential solutions. He pointed to Kerkez’s struggles to establish himself and questioned whether Tsimikas has done enough to convince.
Balde, meanwhile, continues to have admirers elsewhere. Manchester United and Inter Milan have both been linked with the defender, meaning Liverpool could face competition if Barcelona ultimately decide to entertain offers.
Yet Barcelona sporting director Deco has insisted that the club still considers Balde part of its long-term plans.
“He’s our player. He’s 22 years old, has a bright future, and a contract with the best club in the world,” Deco said earlier this month, while acknowledging that Balde must fight for his place.
Deco also pointed to the defender’s previous level, insisting that a fully fit Balde remains capable of forcing his way back into the Barcelona team.
For now, there is no agreement between Liverpool and Barcelona, and the January window remains some distance away. But if Balde’s lack of opportunities continues, Liverpool’s interest could develop into one of the more intriguing Premier League transfer stories of the winter.
Olumide Atiba is a sports journalist with THEWILL, known for his keen news sense and compelling storytelling. He has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, well-structured reports that resonate with readers, with a strong focus on football coverage
