Liverpool, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa are among the teams who have held talks with super agent Jorge Mendes over a move for Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde, according to a report.
Mendes offering Liverpool, Man United, Tottenham and Aston Villa the chance to sign the Spanish star suggests all four Premier League sides are considering signing a new left-back in 2027, with the 23-year-old prioritising a move to the Premier League if he does leave the Camp Nou.
The Red Devils have long been linked with a move for Balde, including in the summer when they were looking to bring in competition for Luke Shaw.
After playing all 38 of the club's Premier League matches last term, injury problems have hit the Englishman again and the latest suggestion is that he's likely to leave Old Trafford at the end of the season when his contract expires.
Balde and Newcastle United left-back Lewis Hall were both mentioned as primary targets for United over the summer by Fabrizio Romano, but neither move materialised as they focused on bringing in three new central midfield players instead.
Meanwhile, the jury is out on Liverpool left-back duo Milos Kerkez and Kostas Tsimikas following the summer exit of Andy Robertson, with pundit Alan Shearer claiming this week that the Scotland international is better than both players who remained at Anfield.
A Bar Chart Depicting Balde's 202627 Minutes by Competition Including La Liga and Champions League
It would be no surprise if Iraola looks to strengthen at left-back in 2027, but Tottenham increasing their interest would be somewhat of a surprise given they have Robertson, Ben Davies and Souza in their ranks, with Pedro Porro and Micky van de Ven also able to play there if needed.
Clearly, Unai Emery may also feel that he needs some added competition for Ian Maatsen in that position too.
According to Sport, Mendes has already started working behind the scenes to get Balde a move away from the Catalan giants and is in contact with multiple clubs, with the player's preference over move to England confirmed.
The report adds that while there have been talks, United, Liverpool and Villa are yet to make a decision on whether they will advance a January move for Balde, while any move from Spurs could depend on departures.
Liverpool Could be in Strongest Position for Balde
Action Images via Reuters/Ed Sykes
Iraola faces a decision on what he is going to do in the left-back position, with many fans remaining unconvinced over Kerkez, while Tsimikas is looking likely to leave Merseyside at the end of the campaign when his contract expires.
If the former Bournemouth boss does decide to ramp up his interest in Balde, he could hold a big advantage over some of his Premier League rivals for the signature of the 23-year-old, who is said to be valued at around £36m.
Firstly, the fact that both Iraola and the player are Spanish is a boost, both in terms of communication and for him settling in England if he did make the switch.
Key Events Timeline
November 2022 — Balde earned a shock Spain World Cup call-up, replacing the injured Jose Gaya.
September 2023 — Barcelona tied Balde down until 2028 with a €1billion release clause.
August 2026 — Barcelona signed Joao Cancelo permanently, sharpening competition in Hansi Flick's full-back ranks.
August 2026 — Flick axed Balde for the Elche opener, publicly questioning the defender's focus.
August 2026 — Manchester United opened talks with agent Jorge Mendes over signing the left-back.
Liverpool and Barcelona also have a recent existing relationship when it comes to transfer negotiations, following the loan addition of Ronald Araujo in the summer.
Araujo has become a key member of the Reds' backline, with his agent issuing a fresh update amid a £47m decision over his loan, and Balde would fancy his chances of usurping Kerkez in the XI at Anfield, but there would be more uncertainty over whether he would definitely start at United when Shaw is fit.
Did it happen before or after?
Round 1 of 9
The Premier League clubs should have questions too, about a player who was once seen as a generational talent is now Barcelona's third-choice left-back.
The Spain international clearly has something about him, but injury issues have blighted him and he has a lot to prove as a result when it comes to his next move.
Of course, if an English club is able to bring the 23-year-old in on a temporary basis until the end of the season, it could be a no-brainer, as Balde looks to show he still has a future among the European elite.
Andoni Iraola Liverpool 2026
Andoni Iraola Liverpool 2026