Liverpool have identified Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde as a priority target for the upcoming winter transfer window, according to reports from journalist Juan Jesus. The 22-year-old, currently sidelined under head coach Hansi Flick, is reportedly valued at €40 million. While Liverpool have made no formal bid, the Anfield club is evaluating the Spain international's availability as they consider options to bolster their defensive options following a mixed start to the domestic campaign.
Status: Single unverified report.
The shifting landscape at Camp Nou
The interest in the Spain international follows his complete exclusion from Barcelona's matchday squads during the early stages of the 2026/27 campaign. Balde, who was previously considered a staple of the Barcelona defence, has failed to record a single competitive minute this season. This decline in status has been accelerated by the emergence of academy graduate Xavi Espart, who has been favoured by Flick at left-back, alongside the versatility of João Cancelo. Reports indicate that an emergency meeting is planned between the defender and his representative, Jorge Mendes, to assess his future and potential exit strategies.
For Barcelona, the financial dynamics of the squad have evolved. Having previously resisted inquiries for the 22-year-old, the current lack of involvement and the club's ongoing need for capital may render a permanent departure a more viable prospect. The €40 million valuation mentioned in reports aligns with figures previously discussed during the summer, when the player attracted interest from Manchester United, though no move materialised at that time.
Tactical requirements at Anfield
At Liverpool, head coach Andoni Iraola has overseen a significant squad overhaul, including high-profile arrivals such as Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain and defender Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes. Despite this recruitment activity, internal analysis suggests the club continues to assess options for the left-back position. While Milos Kerkez and Kostas Tsimikas remain in the squad, recruitment staff are reportedly evaluating whether additional defensive reinforcements are necessary to suit the high-intensity tactical requirements of Iraola's system. Scouting departments are said to prioritise Balde's recovery pace and technical profile as attributes that could enhance the current defensive structure.
TransferNews data and market context
The TransferNews database records that this interest remains at an exploratory stage, as official contact between the two clubs has yet to be documented. The €40 million asking price serves as the primary reference point for any potential discussions. Data analytics from SciSports suggest that a move to Liverpool would be a strong destination for the player, given the club's current tactical development and the higher volume of competitive minutes available compared to his current situation in Catalonia. For Liverpool, adding a player of Balde's profile would follow a summer window that saw the club record one of the highest net spends in the Premier League. As Balde’s representatives assess his options, the upcoming mid-season window will offer a critical juncture for the player to address his lack of competitive football. Any definitive action from Liverpool will depend on whether the club chooses to formalise their interest with a concrete bid, though Iraola has frequently emphasised the need to focus on developing the existing squad.
