Liverpool monitoring Barcelona defender Alejandro Balde as £40m transfer becomes possible

Liverpool are monitoring Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde, whose reduced role under manager Hansi Flick could lead to a move during the next winter transfer window.

The 22-year-old remains part of Barcelona’s squad but has fallen well down Flick’s pecking order this season. According to Spanish newspaper Sport, Balde is now the third-choice left-back, behind Xavi Espart and Joao Cancelo.

That situation has attracted interest from several European clubs, with Liverpool now understood to have joined the list of potential suitors. Balde was also linked with Manchester United and Inter during the summer transfer window.

Balde’s contract with Barcelona runs until 2028 and contains a €1bn release clause. However, Sport reports that the Catalan club could be prepared to consider offers close to €40m.

His age and remaining potential are viewed as factors that make him an appealing target. Balde still has considerable scope to develop and rebuild his form, having lost his importance within Barcelona’s current plans.

Liverpool’s Spanish manager Andoni Iraola is reported to regard a move for Balde as an interesting option, particularly if the player becomes available for a suitable fee.

Relations between Barcelona and Liverpool are considered stable. That was illustrated recently by Ronald Araujo’s loan move to the English club. The Uruguay defender has made a positive impression during his appearances, especially in the Champions League.

Balde’s fall in the Barcelona hierarchy came late in the summer transfer window, leaving him little time to adjust to the change or find another club before the market closed.

He now has roughly three months before the winter window opens. During that period, Balde will have to continue working in training while waiting for another opportunity to convince Flick that he deserves a greater role.

Barcelona sporting director Deco recently said in an interview with RAC1 that Balde remains a Barcelona player. He also acknowledged that intense competition for the left-back position has pushed him out of Flick’s plans for the time being.

The Premier League could offer Balde a suitable destination because of his physical qualities and style of play, which may fit the demands of English football. His agent, Jorge Mendes, could also play a role in finding a solution that allows Balde to move to a club where he would have a better chance of regular football and of regaining the importance he has lost at Barcelona.