Liverpool could consider strengthening their left-back position during the January transfer window, with Barcelona defender Alejandro Balde emerging as a potential target amid growing concerns over Milos Kerkez’s performances at Anfield.
The Reds have experienced difficulties finding consistency at left-back this season, and former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy believes the Spanish international could provide the quality and experience needed to strengthen Andoni Iraola’s defensive options.
Balde, who has struggled to secure a regular starting position under Barcelona manager Hansi Flick, could potentially become available if his situation at the Spanish club does not improve.
Although no agreement has been reported, his circumstances have created speculation about a possible move to the Premier League.
Liverpool’s Left-Back Problems Raise Concerns Over Kerkez
Liverpool had high expectations when they signed Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth in the summer of 2025.
The Hungarian defender arrived at Anfield following an impressive 2024/25 campaign, during which he recorded two goals and six assists in 38 Premier League appearances.
His pace, aggressive defending and attacking contributions made him an exciting addition to Liverpool’s squad.
However, Kerkez has found it difficult to reproduce his best Bournemouth performances consistently since arriving on Merseyside.
While the 22-year-old has shown promising qualities, inconsistent displays have raised questions about his defensive positioning, decision-making and overall contribution.
The departure of Andy Robertson to Tottenham Hotspur following the previous season has made the situation even more important.
Robertson was an influential figure at Liverpool for several years, offering leadership, defensive experience and attacking quality from the left side.
Replacing a player of his experience was always going to be challenging, and Liverpool have yet to establish the same level of reliability in that position.
Kostas Tsimikas remains another option, but uncertainty surrounding his long-term future means the club may need to consider additional defensive reinforcements.
Alejandro Balde Emerges as a Potential Liverpool Transfer Target
Barcelona defender Alejandro Balde has been mentioned as a possible solution to Liverpool’s left-back concerns.
The 23-year-old Spanish international is regarded as an exciting attacking full-back, possessing excellent acceleration, technical ability and the confidence to carry the ball into dangerous areas.
Having progressed through Barcelona’s academy, Balde established himself in the first team during the 2022/23 campaign.
His performances helped Barcelona win the La Liga title, while his development earned him recognition as one of Europe’s promising young defenders.
However, his situation at Camp Nou has reportedly become less straightforward under Hansi Flick.
Competition for places and changes within Barcelona’s defensive setup have raised questions about his opportunities and long-term position in the squad.
For Liverpool, a defender with Balde’s technical qualities and experience at a major European club could represent an attractive opportunity.
His ability to contribute offensively could also suit a system that demands significant attacking involvement from its full-backs.
Danny Murphy Explains Why Balde Could Be Ideal for Liverpool
Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy believes Alejandro Balde has the qualities required to succeed at Anfield.
Speaking to Betarades.gr, Murphy praised the Barcelona defender’s talent and experience, suggesting that playing for a club with enormous expectations could help him adapt to Liverpool.
Murphy said:
“I think Balde could be great for Liverpool because he’s a super talent and he’s also got that experience of being at a huge football club with that expectation.”
The former midfielder also highlighted the importance of recruiting experienced players when a team is struggling, particularly in defensive positions.
He explained:
“I still think there are times, especially in defensive areas, where you really do want ready-made players. Especially when you’re struggling.”
His comments reflect a potential issue facing Liverpool’s recruitment department.
Kerkez remains a young defender with considerable potential, but Liverpool also need reliable options capable of delivering consistent performances immediately.
Bringing in another quality left-back could increase competition and prevent the team from becoming overly dependent on one player.
Alejandro Balde’s Reported $44 Million Valuation
One of the interesting details surrounding the transfer speculation is Balde’s reported estimated market value of approximately $44 million.
That figure would represent a considerable investment for Liverpool, although it could be attractive considering the defender’s age, experience and potential.
Balde has already accumulated more than 170 senior appearances for Barcelona and experienced competing for major honours at one of Europe’s biggest clubs.
His attacking qualities could also provide Liverpool with an additional dimension.
The Spaniard is comfortable carrying the ball forward, beating opponents in one-on-one situations and supporting attacking moves from wide positions.
These characteristics could make him a valuable option in a Liverpool team that traditionally expects its full-backs to contribute significantly in the final third.
However, the reported $44 million valuation should not be mistaken for a confirmed transfer fee or an official asking price from Barcelona.
Liverpool would also need to examine his recent playing time, injury record and current form before considering a serious move.
Iraola Faces an Important Decision Over Milos Kerkez
A potential move for Balde would present Andoni Iraola with an interesting decision.
The Liverpool manager previously worked with Kerkez at Bournemouth, where the Hungarian developed into one of the Premier League’s exciting attacking full-backs.
That relationship could encourage Iraola to continue supporting the defender rather than immediately looking for a replacement.
However, signing Balde would not necessarily mean the end of Kerkez’s Liverpool career.
Instead, the Spaniard could provide genuine competition for the left-back position, allowing both players to fight for regular opportunities.
It would also give Iraola more flexibility when managing workloads and selecting his team against different opponents.
For Kerkez, stronger competition could provide additional motivation to improve his performances and rediscover the form that attracted Liverpool’s interest in the first place.
Ultimately, Iraola must decide whether the Hungarian needs more time to adapt or whether the club should invest in additional quality during the January window.
Liverpool Could Face Competition for Barcelona Defender
Liverpool may not be the only Premier League club interested in Balde’s situation.
Manchester United have also been linked with the Barcelona defender, while other clubs could potentially explore the possibility of signing him.
A move away from Camp Nou could become an attractive option if regular first-team football remains difficult to secure.
Liverpool would nevertheless need to convince both Barcelona and the player that Anfield represents the right destination for the next stage of his career.
The Reds also have a recent connection with Barcelona following Ronald Araújo’s loan move to Anfield in the summer of 2026.
Although that relationship could provide a possible starting point for discussions, it does not guarantee that Barcelona would agree to another defensive departure.
Any potential deal would depend on the clubs’ financial expectations, Balde’s intentions and Liverpool’s assessment of their current defensive options.
January Transfer Window Could Be Crucial for Liverpool
Liverpool’s left-back situation could become one of the important issues for the club ahead of the January transfer window.
Kerkez still has time to establish himself as a reliable long-term option, and it would be premature to write off a young defender following a difficult period.
Nevertheless, Liverpool cannot afford to ignore weaknesses in their squad if they want to remain competitive at the highest level.
Alejandro Balde could offer an interesting solution.
The Barcelona defender possesses the pace, technical ability and experience to strengthen Liverpool’s defensive department, while his uncertain situation at Camp Nou could potentially create an opportunity.
A reported valuation of around $44 million would make any potential transfer a significant financial decision, but Liverpool may see value in securing a player who could improve their options for several seasons.
For now, there is no confirmed agreement or official indication that Liverpool have made a formal offer.
However, the possibility of bringing Balde to Anfield raises an interesting question about the club’s January priorities.
Would Liverpool benefit from signing Alejandro Balde, or should Andoni Iraola continue giving Milos Kerkez time to prove himself?
The coming weeks could provide a clearer picture of Liverpool’s plans as they look to strengthen their defence and address their concerns at left-back.
Source: FootballUS / Cafex, with comments attributed to Danny Murphy via Betarades.gr.
