It looks increasingly like the end of the road for a big Barcelona profile, with a Spanish Spanish claiming that Liverpool maintain a “very high level of interest” in completing a transfer that makes perfect sense.
Many raised eyebrows when Liverpool surprised with the loan signing of Ronald Araujo this summer. The Uruguayan had made a name for himself as something of a mistake at Camp Nou, and even though he is actually a centre-back, it was the right-back who was Liverpool’s weak point.
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However, the loanee is also adept at covering right-back, and since taking over from Jeremie Frimpong as Andoni Iraola’s regular choice on that side, Liverpool have kept a clean sheet in three straight Premier League games.
In fact, Araujo’s breakthrough has been so great that the new sporting director, Julian Ward, is already seriously considering activating the €55 million / £47 million purchase option.
And according to the latest from Spanish journalist Juan Jesus, Araujo could be far from the only Barcelona defender at Anfield next season. The Reds are extremely interested in signing left-back Alejandro Balde.
Liverpool want Alejandro Balde as Barcelona end approaches
“As we have already revealed, Alejandro Balde’s future is scorching hot,” the journalist wrote.
“Liverpool maintain a very high level of interest, but Chelsea and AC Milan are pushing hard to secure him already in this winter window.
“Xabi Alonso values his profile highly for the London club, while Ruben Amorim at Milan is not convinced of Moreira as a left wing-back and sees the Spaniard as the definitive solution to his problems on that flank.
“The internal reality is complex: Balde is not part of Hansi Flick’s plans due to private circumstances.
“Although the academy product is still determined to succeed at the club in his life, he knows that both Xavi Expart and João Cancelo are ahead of him in the rotation.
“For the first time, the player is starting to see his departure from Barça as a very real option.”
As mentioned, Balde – who just a few years ago was not only Barcelona’s regular left-back, but also Spain’s first choice – has dropped down to third choice in Hansi Flick’s hierarchy.
Manchester United called Balde’s agent, Jorge Mendes, to enquire about the signing of the 22-year-old this summer.
In the end, Balde decided to stay, but a recent report from Mundo Deportivo claimed that he could open the doors for an exit as early as January, given the lack of playing time this season. He has only made one appearance this season and has been an unused substitute every other time.
Liverpool, on the other hand, will be on the hunt for a new left-back in 2027. It is still unclear whether Milos Kerkez has what it takes to be a regular starter in the long term, but even if Liverpool show confidence in the Hungarian, a replacement for Kostas Tsimikas will need to be brought in.
The Greek has effectively taken Andy Robertson’s role as the first and foremost backup for Kerkez, but his contract expires next summer.
A journalist has also pointed out that the Reds should show Tsimikas and one other star the door in 2027, with a Crystal Palace player touted as a possible Anfield purchase.
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