Roma explore January move for Barcelona defender Alejandro Balde

Roma are considering a January move for Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde, but any deal would depend on an agreement that meets the Italian club’s financial conditions.

Barcelona’s valuation of the Spain international and his current salary are understood to be the main obstacles, with Roma examining a structure that would allow them to sign the defender without paying the full cost immediately.

According to Spanish newspaper Sport, Roma sporting director Tony D’Amico has identified Balde as a potential target after impressing manager Gian Piero Gasperini. The Roma boss believes the defender could make a significant contribution to his squad and help the club compete for the Serie A title.

Roma’s preferred proposal is to take Balde on loan for a fee, with an obligation to make the move permanent if they qualify for the next edition of the Champions League.

Such an arrangement would enable Roma to bring the player to Italy during the January transfer window while postponing most of the payment until the summer. The structure could help the club manage the financial demands of a deal for a player whom Barcelona continue to value highly.

Financial hurdles

Gasperini’s interest in Balde is not, however, enough to guarantee an agreement. Barcelona are holding firm on their assessment of the player’s value, while his wages would also create a substantial commitment for Roma.

The Italian club would therefore need to make a considerable financial effort to complete negotiations, even if the proposed loan-to-buy structure were accepted.

Barcelona have not ruled out allowing Balde to leave during the winter transfer window. The Catalan club could view a sale as an opportunity to raise funds for the signing of a centre-back, a position that is one of manager Hansi Flick’s priorities as he looks to strengthen the squad for the second half of the season.

Roma are not the only club monitoring the defender’s situation. Juventus are also following developments as they prepare for the possibility of Andrea Cambiaso leaving the club.

There is further interest from England, where Liverpool, Aston Villa, Manchester United, Manchester City and Tottenham are all understood to be monitoring Balde. French club Monaco are also among those keeping track of his position.

With several clubs competing for the left-back and Barcelona maintaining significant financial demands, Roma face a difficult task in trying to secure his arrival in January. The Serie A side are consequently assessing the most effective proposal to persuade Barcelona to approve Balde’s departure.