Liverpool is monitoring the availability of young Barcelona defender Alejandro Balde, with fresh questions emerging over his long-term future at the Nou Camp amid transfer speculation
Alejandro Balde, Thomas Christensen and Frenkie de Jong attend the presentation of the 2026-27 FC Barcelona squad at Spotify Camp Nou in Barcelona
Alejandro Balde has been linked with a transfer to Liverpool(Image: (Photo by Joan Valls/Urbanandsport/NurPhoto via Getty Images))
Liverpool is monitoring Barcelona defender Alejandro Balde's availability as questions emerge over the 23-year-old's long-term future at the Nou Camp.
His agent Jorge Mendes is exploring potential moves for Balde, holding discussions with several of Europe's leading clubs ahead of a decision on the defender's future in December. Balde and his representatives believe a January departure from Barcelona would offer him the best chance of securing regular playing time and restoring his place as a key player.
Liverpool, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa are among the clubs to have held talks with Mendes, with the 23-year-old understood to favor a move to the Premier League if he leaves the La Liga giants.
Liverpool's left-back options Milos Kerkez and Kostas Tsimikas remain under scrutiny following Andy Robertson's departure in the summer.
According to Sport, Mendes has begun working behind the scenes to secure Balde a move away from Barcelona and has made contact with several clubs not just in the Premier League but across Europe.
However, the report states that United, Liverpool and Villa are yet to decide whether to pursue a January move for the defender, while Tottenham's interest could depend on players leaving the club.
If Liverpool decides to step up its interest in Balde, they could have an advantage over their Premier League rivals in the race for his signature. The 23-year-old is reportedly valued at around $48 million.
Andoni Iraola manager of Liverpool applauds the fans after their sides victory during the Premier League match against Crystal Palace
Andoni Iraola could be in the market for a new left-back in January(Image: Photo by Gaspafotos/MB Media/Getty Images)
Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola and Balde are both Spanish, which could help the defender settle at Anfield and ease communication if he makes the move to England. The Reds also have an existing relationship with Barcelona following Ronald Araujo's loan switch to Anfield in the summer.
Araujo has since established himself as an important member of Liverpool's defense, with his agent recently providing an update on his future amid a $62 million decision over the loan deal.
Balde could view Anfield as an attractive destination, particularly with the opportunity to challenge Kerkez for a starting place at left-back.
Premier League clubs will also have concerns over Balde's recent decline, with the defender having fallen to third choice at Barcelona despite once being regarded as a generational talent.
The Spain international has shown plenty of potential, but a series of injury problems have disrupted his progress. He will need to prove his fitness and rediscover his best form if he is to make an impact at his next club.