Liverpool Eye Alejandro Balde as January Left-Back Target

Liverpool Keen on Barcelona Left-Back Alejandro Balde Ahead of January Window

Liverpool are understood to be assessing the left-back market ahead of January, with Barcelona defender Alejandro Balde emerging as a credible target, according to journalist Juan Jesus. Chelsea and AC Milan are also said to hold an interest in the 22-year-old, who has found first-team minutes scarce under Hansi Flick.

Player: Alejandro Balde, 22, Barcelona left-back
Interested clubs: Liverpool, Chelsea, AC Milan
Window: January transfer window
Balde's situation: Limited La Liga minutes under Hansi Flick
Liverpool context: Andy Robertson departed in the summer; Milos Kerkez and Kostas Tsimikas are the current left-back options
Prior window: Balde stayed at Camp Nou to compete for his place despite interest elsewhere

Deal details

According to Juan Jesus, Liverpool are “very keen” on Balde. No fee has been reported, and the stage remains one of interest rather than concrete negotiation. The source does not state any agreed fee, contract length, or formal bid from any of the interested clubs.

AC Milan and Chelsea are also credited with an interest, which points to a competitive market if Barcelona become open to discussions. Liverpool's familiarity with the player through recent dealings involving Ronald Araujo may prove useful if the situation advances.

Balde stayed in Spain during the previous window in an effort to compete for his place at Camp Nou, despite interest elsewhere. Since then, first-team minutes in La Liga have been scarce, which changes the equation for both player and club.

Why Liverpool are looking at left-back

Following Andy Robertson's summer departure, Liverpool were left with Milos Kerkez and Kostas Tsimikas as the main options. Kerkez arrived with a strong reputation and with obvious encouragement from a previous working relationship with Andoni Iraola, who knew exactly what the Hungarian could offer from their time together at Bournemouth.

Liverpool's belief was that the move would unlock that level again and provide a long-term answer in the role after a £40m investment. So far, that process has not fully clicked into place. There remains time for Kerkez to turn things around, but the early signs have led Liverpool to examine possible alternatives in case the position needs addressing sooner rather than later.

That is where Balde becomes relevant. The 22-year-old is facing a difficult situation at Camp Nou, where opportunities have been limited under Hansi Flick.

Balde's profile and fit under Iraola

From Liverpool's perspective, this is less about abandoning Kerkez immediately and more about being prepared. Recruitment at elite level often works that way. Clubs identify pressure points early, assess availability, and move if the right opportunity appears.

Balde's profile makes sense on several fronts: his age, his experience at a top club, and his athletic qualities all align with what Liverpool typically value in wide defenders. There is also a stylistic fit. Balde is comfortable covering ground quickly, operating high when required, and recovering into defensive positions, traits that matter in a system asking full-backs to contribute aggressively without leaving the back line exposed.

If Iraola wants greater balance on that flank, Balde would appear a logical solution. His ability to challenge immediately for a starting role while offering long-term value is often the ideal blend for Liverpool: a player capable of raising the floor of the squad while also offering significant development potential.

The numbers

Balde's age: 22
Kerkez investment: £40m
Clubs tracking Balde: Liverpool, Chelsea, AC Milan
Window: January 2026

Analysis: Why Balde makes sense for a defence still in construction

Andoni Iraola's Liverpool still look like a side in construction. Ronald Araujo's loan arrival from Barcelona has given the team an added layer of versatility across the back line, with his ability to operate at centre-back and right-back helping to stabilise the team in moments. But it has not removed the sense that Liverpool still need greater depth and certainty in defence.

Left-back, in particular, has become an area to monitor closely. Kerkez arrived with a strong reputation and a £40m price tag, and there remains time for him to turn things around. But the early signs have led Liverpool to examine possible alternatives. The difference between patience and passivity is important here: Liverpool cannot afford to ignore a problem area if it continues to cost rhythm and control.

Balde sounds like the sort of opportunity the club should explore. He is young, has experience at a huge club, and would arrive with the hunger that often comes from a player needing a reset. That can be a powerful combination. The biggest attraction is that he would not be a stop-gap — he could become Liverpool's long-term left-back if it works. Balde would create competition, raise standards, and give Liverpool a better chance of finding consistency down that side.

Talking points

Should Liverpool give Milos Kerkez the rest of the season to justify his £40m fee, or move for Balde in January if the opportunity arises?
Balde's lack of La Liga minutes under Hansi Flick raises the question: is he a genuine upgrade on Kerkez right now, or a project for the future?
With Chelsea and AC Milan also interested, would Liverpool be wise to act early in January rather than wait until the summer?
Would signing Balde risk blocking Kerkez's development entirely, or would the competition raise both players' levels?

What happens next

Liverpool are expected to give Kerkez further time to make the position his own, but that patience will not be unlimited. If performances remain below expectation through the closing weeks of the year, movement in January becomes easier to envisage. The key issue now is timing, and whether Barcelona become open to discussions given Balde's limited minutes under Flick.

Frequently asked questions

Are Liverpool signing Alejandro Balde in January?

No deal has been agreed. Liverpool are understood to be assessing the left-back market and are “very keen” on Balde, but no fee or formal bid is reported.

Who else wants to sign Alejandro Balde?

Chelsea and AC Milan are also said to hold an interest in the Barcelona left-back, according to Juan Jesus.

Why is Alejandro Balde available?

The 22-year-old has found first-team minutes scarce in La Liga under Hansi Flick, despite staying at Camp Nou in the previous window to compete for his place.