Reds eye Balde as Iraola weighs left-back options
Liverpool have entered the chase to sign Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde during the January transfer window, according to Spanish outlet Sport.
Andoni Iraola currently relies on Milos Kerkez as his first-choice left-back, with Kostas Tsimikas failing to offer serious competition for the role. That situation could prompt Liverpool to strengthen the position when the winter window opens, and Balde has emerged as a genuine target after previously attracting interest from Inter Milan and Manchester United last summer.
Barcelona star frozen out under Flick
Balde opted to remain at Camp Nou over the summer despite receiving no guarantees over regular football from head coach Hansi Flick. That gamble has badly backfired, with the Spaniard yet to feature in either La Liga or the Champions League this campaign.
He has slipped to third choice behind Joao Cancelo and academy graduate Xavi Espart, who has impressed after being converted from a right-back into a left-sided defender. Espart, despite being naturally right-footed, has already contributed a goal and two assists in five league outings this term.
With his opportunities drying up, Sport report Balde could be sanctioned for around £34 million this winter, and Liverpool’s existing ties with Barcelona — forged through Ronald Araujo’s loan move to Anfield — may work in their favour.
Opinion
Balde still looks like a smart piece of business at that price. He was among Europe’s most exciting young full-backs before injuries and squad competition stalled his progress, and a fresh start under Iraola could revive his career. Reuniting with Araujo, who has thrived after losing his own place at Barcelona, might also sweeten the deal. If fit and firing, Balde has the attacking quality to push Kerkez hard for the left-back berth sooner rather than later.
