Liverpool Eyeing Move to Hijack Man Utd Move for Balde, Could End Kerkez's Anfield Career

· GiveMeSport

Liverpool are plotting a move to hijack Man Utd's bid for a Barcelona star, and it could be the end of an Anfield career.

Liverpool surprised many people during the summer transfer window when they sealed a loan move for Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo to strengthen their squad.

The Uruguay international has made the switch to Anfield and become a fan favourite for his defensive displays so far, playing at both centre-back and at right-back to help Andoni Iraola to an unbeaten start to his life as manager of the club.

But the Reds haven't been the most convincing side to watch this season, and the manager is understood to be keen on further reinforcements during the January transfer window, with his defensive options currently very slim.

At left-back, Andy Robertson departed the club in the summer, leaving Milos Kerkez and a returning Kostas Tsimikas as the only options for the position, but the Hungary international has struggled since his move from Bournemouth.

There was a belief and a hope that a reunion with Iraola, who was his manager at the Vitality Stadium when he was so good that it convinced Liverpool to pay around £40m to bring him in, would be able to revitalise him and get the most out of him.

But so far, Kerkez's issues have continued and he still looks to be more of a liability than a help. That has seen the club begin to look at potential alternatives or upgrades, and it has now emerged that Barcelona star Alejandro Balde is a target.

According to Spanish journalist Juan Jesus , Liverpool are 'very keen' on a deal for the Barcelona left-back, who has found himself way down the pecking order at the Camp Nou under Hansi Flick.

The Spain international was heavily linked with a move to Man Utd in the summer window , but ultimately decided to stay with Barcelona and fight for his place in the team. However, Balde has been restricted to just 12 minutes of action in La Liga, with Flick preferring to use Xavi Espart and Joao Cancelo.

The 22-year-old is now understood to be considering a move away in January, with Liverpool, Chelsea, and AC Milan all showing a strong interest in a deal.

Liverpool's plan for Kerkez when they signed him in 2025 was simple - give him a year to bed in behind Andy Robertson, and then eventually replace the Scot.

But this year he has continued to disappoint with his performances, and there is only so long that Liverpool can wait for him to rediscover his Bournemouth form before deciding to make a change. The 22-year-old will be given until the end of the year to prove himself, but if he fails to, then Balde is a very real option.

Balde has shown that he can play at the very highest level with Barcelona, and his style of play would suit both the Premier League and Iraola's Liverpool side. It's fair to say that he would be an upgrade, and that could spell the end of the road for Kerkez as the first-choice left-back at Anfield.

They have been in constant contact with the player's camp

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