Tottenham receive welcome boost in pursuit of Alejandro Balde as Barcelona eye replacement
Tottenham are looking to recruit a new left-back amid speculation surrounding Destiny Udogie’s future.
Not many fans expected Tottenham Hotspur to experience a topsy-turvy start to the 2026/27 Premier League campaign, especially after the club splashed the cash on ten new players in the summer.
There was a sense of optimism in and around N17 after the match-going supporters saw the Lilywhites backing Roberto de Zerbi in the transfer market. The ongoing international break could not have come at a better time for Roberto De Zerbi. It is crucial that the Italian tactician figures out a way to solve the lingering problems on the pitch before the hectic fixture list.
Come January, Spurs may take a dip into the transfer market to address a few of their glaring problems in the squad. Recent reports suggest Destiny Udogie could seek a loan move away from Tottenham as he is unhappy with the lack of game time under De Zerbi. Juventus are exploring a move for Udogie, having identified the Tottenham left-back as an alternative target to Atalanta’s Lorenzo Bernasconi.
Simultaneously, the North Londoners are keeping tabs on a left-back currently plying his trade in La Liga.
Destiny Udogie in action for Tottenham
Tottenham receive welcome boost in pursuit of Barcelona defender
Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde has reportedly emerged as a target for Tottenham. There was a lot of speculation surrounding the future of the Spanish international in the summer, but he eventually ended up staying at Barcelona. Unfortunately, the left-back endured an injury-hit start to the season, and when he returned, he found himself behind Joao Cancelo and Xavi Espart in the pecking order.
Alejandro Balde has been limited to only 124 minutes across five appearances this season, and there is a strong possibility of him leaving Barcelona next year. And Tottenham’s pursuit of the player has now been boosted by recent developments.
According to a report from Spanish outlet Sport, Barcelona have already started hunting for potential replacements for Balde ahead of the winter transfer window. The Catalan giants are now exploring a move for Manchester City left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri, who is seen as a perfect fit for Hansi Flick’s system.
Manchester City are believed to be open to offers for Ait-Nouri after he failed to live up to expectations at the Etihad Stadium, with the Algerian international’s potential arrival at Nou Camp possibly opening the door for Balde’s departure. However, Tottenham aren’t the only club interested in Balde.
Tottenham among clubs interested in Alejandro Balde
Juventus and AS Roma have contacted the player’s agent Jorge Mendes to understand details of a potential transfer, but the Barcelona star’s first option is the Premier League. Manchester United may also revive their interest in the 23-year-old, having been heavily linked with the left-back during the summer transfer window.
It remains to be seen how concrete Tottenham’s interest is, but Barcelona wanting Ait-Nouri seemingly leaves Balde’s future in limbo. If De Zerbi’s club feel the Spanish international would be an upgrade over Udogie, they must start the groundwork for a January deal from now onward.