Liverpool linked with Balde again. No bid, but the buyer has already appeared

Alejandro Balde has not played a single competitive minute for Barcelona this season. Right on schedule, another potential Premier League destination has now appeared.

A report circulated by Topskills Sports UK claims Liverpool have identified Balde as a leading target for the left-back position. Subsequent coverage has presented the Spaniard as a possible January signing for Andoni Iraola’s side.

The story sounds advanced until one looks for evidence of an actual transfer operation.

NO BID AND NO CONFIRMED TALKS

Liverpool have not submitted a confirmed offer for Balde. There is also no reliable indication that talks have begun with Barcelona, the player’s representatives or Jorge Mendes.

The claim has not been backed by Liverpool’s official channels, leading British outlets or the journalists who regularly cover the club’s transfer activity. It should therefore be treated as an unconfirmed rumour about interest, not as evidence of an approaching deal.

This is not even the first time Balde has been connected with Anfield. SPORT reported in March 2026 that Liverpool could explore a move if an opportunity to sign him emerged. The latest version mainly adds a possible January move and the claim that he has risen to the top of Liverpool’s shortlist.

Same destination, updated packaging. A few matches on Barcelona’s bench were apparently enough to launch the sequel.

BARCELONA HAVE CREATED THE PERFECT VACUUM

There is a genuine sporting issue behind the speculation. Barcelona have played five official matches this season and Balde is still waiting for his first appearance. Hansi Flick has preferred Xavi Espart and João Cancelo in the available roles on the left.

Deco recently said Balde must fight for his place and stressed that selection decisions belong to the coach. The sporting director also maintained that the defender had not expressed a desire to leave Barcelona.

Neither the club nor the player has announced a change of position. Balde has not been officially placed on the market. His lack of playing time, however, leaves enough empty space for a new transfer story to be inserted almost every day.

MENDES’S TRIP ADDS TO THE NOISE

The Liverpool rumour emerged as Jorge Mendes was reportedly preparing to travel to Barcelona. Carlos Monfort said the agent’s visit would involve matters concerning some of his clients, including Balde and Lamine Yamal.

There is no confirmation that Mendes’s trip is connected to Liverpool. A formal meeting with Barcelona officials has not been announced either. Combining the two reports into one advanced transfer operation would go beyond the available facts.

For now, the situation is straightforward: Balde is not playing and Liverpool are reportedly interested, but there is no confirmed bid, approach or negotiation. The transfer story exists. The transfer itself does not.