Liverpool and FSG push for Spanish left‑back as £40m bid looms

Liverpool have signalled they will bid for Barcelona left‑back Alejandro Balde in the January transfer window, with the Spanish club reportedly valuing the 22‑year‑old at €40 million (£34.2 million). The move has the backing of new manager Andoni Iraola and the club’s owners, Fenwick Sports Group.

Milos Kerkez, signed from Bournemouth in the summer of 2025, is currently Liverpool’s first‑choice left‑back but has not reproduced his former form. Konstantinos Tsimikas remains his back‑up and has been described as a bench‑warmer. The duo’s inconsistency has left the Reds’ defence vulnerable on the flank.

Andoni Iraola, the Spanish manager appointed in the summer, has marked Balde as an absolute priority for the winter window. He believes the 22‑year‑old would fit Liverpool’s playing style and strengthen a position that has become an issue. Some reports even misspelled his name as Bald, but the focus remains on the Barcelona star.

Manchester United, often shortened to Man, showed interest in Balde during the summer but only pursued a loan with a future‑buy option, which Barcelona rejected. The Spanish side insisted on a permanent transfer, leaving the Reds as the leading candidates.

Midfield ambitions

Liverpool are also eyeing AS Roma midfielder Manu Kone, with the Italian club reportedly asking £50million for the French player in the summer of 2026. Chelsea have entered the race, but the English club remains determined to secure the midfielder.

Fenwick Sports Group (FSG) is reportedly prepared to fund the £50million move for Kone, signalling a broader transfer strategy beyond the left‑back department. The club’s willingness to invest underscores its ambition to reinforce the squad ahead of the new campaign.

If the deals materialise, Liverpool would address a glaring defensive weakness while adding quality to their midfield. Barcelona could benefit from a €40million injection, and Roma might secure a substantial fee for Kone. READ more about how these potential signings could shape Liverpool’s season and the players’ future play.