Liverpool Set to Pursue €40m Barcelona Left-Back Balde After Man Utd Exit

A €40 million valuation has been placed on Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde as Liverpool weigh a mid-season signing, according to Spanish publication Sport, after Manchester United withdrew from negotiations in the summer window.

Barcelona’s Balde enters January transfer spotlight

Liverpool currently lists Milos Kerkez and Konstantinos Tsimikas as their two recognised left-backs. Kerkez joined from Bournemouth in the summer of 2025 but has not delivered consistently since his arrival, while Tsimikas serves as his backup.

The club’s underwhelming start to the new season has intensified scrutiny on both the squad composition and manager Andoni Iraola, who assumed the role in the summer.

Sport reports that Liverpool have already identified Balde as a potential January target. The Barcelona-based outlet states the Spanish champions could part with the 22-year-old for €40 million (£34.2 million).

The report notes Manchester United had expressed interest in Balde during the summer, and highlights that Liverpool’s recent loan acquisition of Ronald Araujo from Barcelona may facilitate smoother negotiations between the two clubs.

According to the same source: “During the summer, he was linked with major clubs such as Manchester United and Inter Milan, while in recent hours he has been mentioned in connection with Liverpool.”

It adds: “The Reds’ Spanish manager, Andoni Iraola, would consider his signing interesting, especially if it represents a good transfer opportunity.”

Relations between Liverpool and Barcelona are described as positive, citing Araujo’s swift loan move to Anfield as evidence. The Uruguayan defender has already made an impact at Liverpool, notably in the Champions League, including a backheel assist in a match against Atlético Madrid.

The report observes that Hansi Flick’s decision to omit Balde from Barcelona’s rotation came late in the summer transfer window, leaving the player with minimal time to respond. It states: “Now, however, a new scenario has emerged. Balde has three and a half months to consider his future.”

Why Man Utd passed on Balde

Transfer analyst Fabrizio Romano confirmed over the weekend that Balde could depart Barcelona in January and explained why Manchester United opted against signing him in the summer.

Romano stated on his YouTube channel: “The first one for Alejandro Balde was clearly impossible on the financial point of view.”

He continued: “Utd really considered this possibility. There were discussions with the agent of the player, Jorge Mendes. Jorge Mendes was in Barcelona to discuss the Man Utd possibility with Barca director Deco.”

Romano clarified that United’s interest was limited to a loan arrangement — potentially with a buy-option clause that would become mandatory under certain conditions — but Barcelona insisted on a permanent transfer only.

He added: “Only permanent transfer, and then also the salary was a problem.”

Romano noted that Ian Maatsen was another candidate under consideration by United, but Aston Villa ruled out a sale after transferring Lucas Digne. He reported: “Now for Maatsen, new contract is almost done. So, I don’t anticipate any movement in the January transfer window.”

On Balde’s mindset, Romano said: “For Balde, it is not easy to say to Barca, ‘I want to leave, I want to go’. Balde never did that because Balde really, really loves Barcelona.”

He explained that Barcelona’s contemplation of a Balde exit stemmed from Financial Fair Play considerations and the need for additional revenue, but again stressed the club’s firm stance on permanent deals only.

Romano concluded: “Balde was more than happy to stay at Barcelona, but he hopes to play more. So, let’s see what’s going to happen there. For sure, the Balde situation is going to be one to watch this season and in the upcoming months.”