Hansi FLICK of Barcelona during the LaLiga match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid CF at Spotify Camp Nou Stadium on May 10, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain.
Hansi FLICK of Barcelona during the LaLiga match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid CF at Spotify Camp Nou Stadium on May 10, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain.
Liverpool have entered a crowded race for a Barcelona defender whose time at the Camp Nou appears to be ending, and with four other Premier League clubs now circling, January could bring a fierce battle for his signature.
Manchester United were reportedly the first to show serious interest, having pursued the player in the summer, and Michael Carrick’s side reportedly remain keen, but Liverpool, Aston Villa, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur have all joined them in the hunt.
Spanish outlet Sport goes further, stating that Liverpool, Aston Villa and Manchester United have already heard the terms of a potential deal, although none of the three has made a final decision, while any move from City or Spurs would depend on players leaving those clubs during the winter window.
Alejandro Balde, who progressed through Barcelona’s academy, may be regretting his decision to stay at the club over the summer. The Spanish left-back is yet to start a game this season and has managed just 124 minutes across five appearances, finding himself behind Joao Cancelo and Xavi Espart in Hansi Flick’s pecking order.
His agent, Jorge Mendes, is now gathering offers, and while Barcelona would prefer a sale in the region of €40 million, Mendes believes a loan with an option to buy is more realistic, with conditions that could turn that option into an obligation, and the plan is to reach a decision in December before completing a move in January.
The Liverpool link carries an interesting twist, because Sport reports that Balde and his camp see Ronald Araujo as a benchmark after the Uruguayan significantly increased his value during his loan spell at Anfield, and Balde hopes to follow the same path at a club that truly believes in him.
England is his first choice, although Roma and Juventus have met Mendes and found his salary difficult to fit into their structures, Monaco are keeping an option open, and Benfica have cooled their interest because they already have the left back position covered.
For Barcelona, the deal matters beyond the player himself, as the wage savings combined with around €4 million of room under their salary limit could allow them to sign a centre back who plays on his left foot or a versatile full back in January, and because Balde is an academy graduate, the full value of any future sale would go to the club.
With five Premier League clubs aware of the conditions and a decision due within weeks, Liverpool must now decide how serious they are about bringing Balde to Anfield, because the competition is only going to grow as January approaches.
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