I keep coming back to Liverpool’s left-back position, and I’m starting to think Alejandro Balde could be a very interesting option.
There have been questions about Milos Kerkez’s performances this season, while Kostas Tsimikas has not necessarily convinced everybody that he is the long-term answer.
Now Liverpool are being linked with a move for Barcelona’s Balde, with reports suggesting the Spanish club could be willing to let him leave in January.
The reported valuation is around €40 million (£34m), and Liverpool are said to be considering whether to meet it. Manchester United and Benfica are also reportedly interested.
Nothing is agreed, of course, but I can understand why Liverpool would be looking at this opportunity.
Why is Barcelona willing to let him go?
Balde is only 22, turning 23 later this month, and he has already played a significant amount of first-team football for Barcelona.
Yet his situation has changed dramatically this season.
Reports say he has fallen down the pecking order under Hansi Flick, with other options being preferred and his opportunities becoming increasingly limited. Barcelona are reportedly open to allowing him to leave, potentially on an initial loan, although the exact terms of any deal remain unclear.
That is what makes this situation worth watching.
We are not talking about an experienced defender whose best years are behind him. We are talking about a young left-back who has already shown his quality but needs regular football again.
Sometimes a change of scenery can make a huge difference.
And Liverpool could potentially offer him exactly that.
Balde has the qualities Liverpool need
One thing that has stood out to me about Liverpool this season is how much more secure the defence has looked in recent games.
Ronald Araújo has provided greater defensive strength on the right, Jérémy Jacquet has impressed alongside Virgil van Dijk, and Alisson remains an enormous presence behind them.
But I still think left-back deserves attention.
Kerkez has pace and energy, and I am certainly not writing him off. However, Liverpool need consistency from that position, particularly when opponents try to exploit the space down the flanks.
Balde offers something different.
He is quick, comfortable carrying the ball and capable of contributing to attacks. Those qualities could suit the way Andoni Iraola wants Liverpool to play, especially if the team can get its attacking combinations working more consistently.
I would not expect him to arrive and immediately solve every problem. Moving from Barcelona to the Premier League would bring its own challenges.
But I can see the appeal.
Would €40 million be too much?
This is where I would be careful.
€40m is a significant investment, particularly when Liverpool already have Kerkez and Tsimikas available at left-back.
Liverpool would need to be confident that Balde could improve the squad rather than simply add another player competing for the same minutes.
There is also the question of Barcelona’s preferred deal structure. Recent reporting has suggested the club could consider a loan, so it is not yet clear whether a permanent transfer at the reported valuation is the only route available.
Manchester United remain interested, while Benfica have also been mentioned as potential competition. Liverpool cannot assume they would have a clear run at him.
Personally, I would be interested if the price and terms made sense.
A loan with an option to buy would allow Liverpool to assess how Balde adapts before committing to a substantial fee. If Barcelona insist on a permanent sale, then the recruitment team would need to be convinced he is the right fit.
What would this mean for Kerkez?
This is the other side of the argument.
Liverpool signed Kerkez because they believed he could become an important player for the club. I would not want to see him discarded after a difficult spell, particularly when he is still adapting to a new team and system.
But competition is part of football.
If Balde arrived, Kerkez would have to earn his place, and Liverpool would have two different options to choose from depending on the opponent and the tactical plan.
That could benefit both players.
It would also give Iraola more flexibility when Liverpool face teams that press aggressively or leave space behind their wide players.
The important thing is that Liverpool should not sign Balde simply because Barcelona are prepared to listen to offers. They should do it because they genuinely believe he can improve the team.
I can see why Liverpool are interested
For me, this is one of those rumours that makes sense on paper.
Balde is young, has experience at a major club and could be available because his situation at Barcelona has changed. Liverpool have a position worth strengthening, and Iraola needs options if he wants to build a reliable defence capable of supporting his attacking football.
The reported €40m valuation is not pocket change, but it is not difficult to understand why Liverpool might consider it for a player with Balde’s potential.
I would still want to know whether Barcelona would accept a loan arrangement, what Liverpool’s plans are for Kerkez and whether Balde himself would be guaranteed a meaningful role.
Those questions matter.
But if the opportunity is genuine, I would certainly be interested in seeing Liverpool explore it.
Kerkez deserves time, but Liverpool also need competition at left-back.
And if Alejandro Balde is available at a sensible price, this could be a deal worth pursuing.
By Jamie (The Kopite View)
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