Liverpool are exploring reinforcements ahead of the January transfer window, with head coach Andoni Iraola assessing where his squad needs strengthening.
Iraola took charge at Anfield in the summer of 2026, succeeding Arne Slot, who left the club at the end of May.
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One position generating fresh transfer interest links Liverpool to a club they already know well.
Barcelona made one of their academy defenders available for a transfer last summer, though a move did not materialise before the window closed.
That player has since found himself increasingly short of opportunities at the Camp Nou. His situation is now being watched closely from England.
According to SPORT, Liverpool are monitoring Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde ahead of the January window, as his lack of playing time at the Catalan club continues.
Balde, 22, has not featured for Barcelona in any of their opening matches this season and was left out of the squad altogether for the visit to Elche.
Hansi Flick currently favours Xavi Espart and Joao Cancelo in the left-back role, leaving Balde third in line for the position.
Barcelona made Balde available for a transfer last summer following an injury-disrupted campaign, and Manchester United showed interest late in the window, though no move went through. He remained at the club.
His absence from the team has continued into the new season.
In Barcelona’s 4-2 win at Levante on Sunday, Espart opened the scoring and Lamine Yamal added two goals either side of half-time, with Balde an unused option once again.
Barcelona sporting director Deco has said the club has not given up on Balde, insisting there has been no indication he wants to leave and that team selection remains the head coach’s call.
Even so, reports suggest a January departure has become a growing possibility if his situation does not change.
Balde’s contract at Barcelona runs until 2028 and includes a release clause of around €1 billion, though his market value is estimated at closer to €40 million.
He is represented by the Gestifute agency, led by Jorge Mendes, who could look to find him a club offering regular football.
Liverpool and Barcelona have worked together recently on the loan move that took Ronald Araujo to Anfield in the summer.
The Uruguay international, primarily a centre-back, has impressed at right-back for Iraola’s side and set up Dominik Szoboszlai’s equaliser with a backheel flick in Liverpool’s 2-1 Champions League win over Atletico Madrid.
For now, Balde remains a Barcelona player, with his future expected to become clearer once the January window opens.
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