Alejandro Balde’s difficult start to the season is already attracting interest from the Premier League, with SPORT reporting that Liverpool are monitoring the Barcelona left-back ahead of the January transfer window.
Balde’s situation is beginning to generate significant interest as clubs look ahead to the winter window.
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The 22-year-old continues to be included in Hansi Flick’s squads, but he has not played a single minute of football this season. And, his lack of playing time has inevitably put his future under the spotlight.
Liverpool eyeing Balde
Balde was linked with major clubs including Manchester United and Inter Milan during the summer. Liverpool have now emerged as another potential destination, as per SPORT.
Andoni Iraola is interested in the possibility of bringing Balde to Anfield, particularly if the circumstances make the deal an attractive market opportunity.
Liverpool eyeing Balde. (Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images)
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Barcelona and Liverpool already have a good relationship, as demonstrated by the swift loan move that took Ronald Araujo to Anfield this past summer.
The Uruguayan has already made a strong impression in England, and the Reds could look to rope in another Barça player in the form of Balde.
The La Masia left-back’s contract runs until 2028 and contains a €1 billion release clause, although his current market value could be around €40 million.
Decision to be made in January
Flick’s decision to move Balde down the pecking order came very late in the summer transfer window, leaving the player with little time to react or find another club.
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The situation is different now. Balde has roughly three and a half months to assess his options before the January window opens.
What does the future hold for Balde? (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)
For the time being, his only option is to continue working hard in training and hope Flick gives him another opportunity, with sporting director Deco recently insisting that Balde remains part of the squad.
Nevertheless, the competition for his position has pushed him firmly down the pecking order and his immediate prospects remain uncertain.
January could therefore become a decisive moment for Balde.
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The Premier League could suit his attributes, particularly his pace and attacking qualities, and his representative Jorge Mendes may look for a solution that allows him to play regularly and regain the prominence he has lost at Barcelona.
For now, Balde remains a Barcelona player. But with Liverpool now watching his situation closely, his future could become one of the stories to follow when the winter transfer window opens.
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