Liverpool weigh January move for Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde

WHAT HAPPENED
Liverpool are reportedly ready to step up interest in Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde when the transfer window reopens in January. The club see Balde as a potential upgrade at left-back amid concerns over the current option in that position.

KEY CONTEXT
Over the summer Liverpool signed Ronald Araujo on loan from Barcelona with an option to buy for around £55m. Araujo has impressed playing at right-back for Liverpool, and the club could trigger the purchase option if his form continues.

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola is said to be not entirely convinced by Milos Kerkez as his first-choice left-back, which has widened the club’s search for reinforcements. Balde, who is described as having strong distribution and solid defensive attributes, has fallen out of favour at Barcelona and may consider leaving after resisting a move in the summer.

The source adds that Balde now finds himself behind Xavi Espart and Joao Cancelo in Barcelona’s pecking order under manager Hansi Flick, a factor that could make a January exit more likely.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
The reported interest would hinge on the January transfer window reopening and any decisions Liverpool make about permanent options following Araujo’s loan spell.