Liverpool Eye £34m Alejandro Balde January Swoop from Barcelona

Liverpool plot January swoop for Barcelona left back Alejandro Balde

Liverpool are considering an ambitious January move for Barcelona left back Alejandro Balde, with the 23-year-old reportedly valued at £34 million. The Reds are planning a defensive revamp after a turbulent start to the Premier League season and see Balde as a long-term solution at left back.

Player: Alejandro Balde (Barcelona left back)
Fee: £34 million
Window: January 2027
Interest from: Liverpool
Reason: Liverpool seeking to revamp defence; Balde not a key part of Hansi Flick's plans
Source: El Nacional report

Deal details

According to El Nacional, Liverpool have made signing a left back one of their key agendas and are now interested in bringing in Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde during the winter transfer window at the start of 2027. The report claims Balde has a £34 million price tag, a fee that reflects his potential despite his limited role under Hansi Flick. Barcelona are said to be looking to make money to balance their books, which could make them open to selling the 23-year-old in January. The deal is at the rumour stage, with no formal talks or bid reported.

Why Liverpool want Alejandro Balde

Liverpool’s defence has come under scrutiny after a turbulent start to the season, culminating in a 3-0 defeat to Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday. A number of players were criticised for not offering enough, particularly the defenders who have lacked competition. The left back position has been a problem area: Milos Kerkez, signed from Bournemouth last year to eventually succeed Andy Robertson, has struggled with form. Kerkez has been subpar offensively, in transitions and in the Reds’ tactical setup. Robertson left Anfield as a free agent in the summer.

Alejandro Balde would represent a significant upgrade. The La Masia graduate reads the game intelligently, positions himself well, is quick, covers both ends of the pitch effectively and possesses strong physical prowess. He is comfortable in possession, distributes well from the back, delivers accurate crosses and can play in an inverted role — something Kerkez has struggled to do, impacting his chemistry with the left winger. If Liverpool secure Balde, they would have a world-class addition and a long-term replacement for Robertson.

The challenge of signing Balde

Balde stayed at Barcelona despite rumours surrounding his future in the summer, but his bid to fight for a place under Hansi Flick has been hampered by the German’s preference for Gerard Martin and Joao Cancelo at left back. That lack of game time could make Balde more open to a move, especially with the World Cup on the horizon. However, Barcelona’s financial situation is a double-edged sword: while they may need to sell to balance the books, they also value Balde’s potential and may demand more than £34 million if Liverpool formalise their interest. The Reds will need to act decisively in January, as competition for the defender’s signature could emerge.

Tactical fit at Anfield

Liverpool’s current tactical setup relies heavily on attacking full-backs, and Balde’s profile fits perfectly. His ability to invert would allow him to slot into midfield during build-up, offering an extra passing option and helping to overload central areas. That would free up the left winger — likely Luis Díaz or Cody Gakpo — to stay high and isolated against the opposition right back. Defensively, Balde’s recovery pace would help Liverpool’s high line, which has been exposed at times this season. Kerkez, by contrast, has struggled to adapt to these demands, often looking lost in transitions and offering little in the final third. Balde’s arrival would not only solve a problem position but also raise the overall level of the squad, providing genuine competition for places.

Talking points

Would Balde really leave Barcelona for Liverpool? He’s a La Masia graduate, but warming the bench under Flick could force his hand.
Is £34m a bargain or a risk? Balde has huge potential but his lack of minutes this season is a concern.
Should Liverpool persist with Milos Kerkez? The Hungarian has struggled, but writing him off after one year seems premature.
Can Liverpool afford Balde without selling first? Financial Fair Play rules might require player sales to fund the move.

What happens next

Liverpool’s recruitment team will continue to monitor Balde’s situation at Barcelona, with the January window now less than three months away. The club’s next fixture — a Premier League clash — will offer another chance for the current defenders to prove their worth. If results and performances do not improve, the pressure to sign a left back will intensify. Barcelona’s financial needs could force their hand, but any deal will likely hinge on Liverpool meeting their valuation. Expect negotiations to heat up as the window approaches.

Frequently asked questions

Is Liverpool signing Alejandro Balde in January?

Liverpool are considering a January move for Alejandro Balde, according to El Nacional, but no formal bid has been made. The report claims he has a £34 million price tag.

How much would Alejandro Balde cost Liverpool?

El Nacional reports that Barcelona have set a £34 million price tag for the left back. That fee is described as a reasonable investment for a player of his potential.