Liverpool could sign another Barcelona player seeking greener pastures, as reports indicate that the Reds are interested in 22-year-old left-back Alejandro Balde.
Kostas Tsimikas made his first start of the season under Andoni Iraola in the 0-0 draw with Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday, but the Greek fullback unfortunately showcased why Liverpool decided to spend £40m in the first place.
Kerkez joined Liverpool from Bournemouth a year before Iraola did, and despite his own flaws, the Hungarian is a much better option at left-back compared to Tsimikas.
However, that perfectly reveals the issue Liverpool have in this position.
Kerkez is chaotic and unpredictable even if he his gifted, and Tsimikas, his backup, is limited.
Liverpool’s options at fullback, in general, are poor and significant investment is needed in these areas in the next couple of transfer windows, with the days of Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold dominating stats at fullback long gone.
According to SPORT journalist Jordi Gil, Liverpool are interested in signing Balde, with the 22-year-old keen to explore his options for the January transfer window, amid limited game time under Hansi Flick.
??| ???? ??: Liverpool are interested in Balde. A lack of playing time could lead him to reconsider his future in January. [@Jordigil] #fcblive ?? pic.twitter.com/2UC2dWUdq7
— BarçaTimes (@BarcaTimes) September 14, 2026
Liverpool are reportedly monitoring Balde ahead of a potential move to Anfield in the winter window. The Espanyol academy graduate is generating a lot of interest as other clubs look ahead to the January transfer window for ways to improve their squads.
While he continues to be named in Hansi Flick’s matchday squads this season, Balde has yet to play a single minute of football for Barcelona and this is causing him to consider his future.
Both Manchester United and Inter Milan were linked with the Barca star in the summer, but SPORT reports now that Liverpool are emerging as a serious potential destination. The loan agreement with Barcelona for Araujo means there is already an existing line of contact between the two clubs, with a clause inserted into Araujo’s deal that gives the Reds the right to make his move to Anfield permanent for a £47m fee.
Iraola is reportedly keen on the idea of bringing his 22-year-old compatriot to the club, although the €1 billion release clause inserted into his contract exists purely to give Barcelona the ability to demand a high fee for him. It’s not desgined to be taken as a realistic representation of the Catalonian club’s opinion of his market value. The contract expires in 2028.