Liverpool’s planning for the January window is already coming into sharper focus, with left-back emerging as a position under growing review. Credit for the latest development goes to Juan Jesus, who reports that the club are ‘very keen’ on Barcelona defender Alejandro Balde.

That update lands at a time when Liverpool’s defensive structure still feels unsettled. Ronald Araujo’s loan arrival from Barcelona has given Andoni Iraola an adaptable and aggressive option across the back line, and his early displays have quickly made an impression. Yet even with that addition, there remains a sense that further work may be required if Liverpool are to build a more balanced and reliable defensive unit for the second half of the season.

Balde’s situation at Barcelona is understood to be attracting attention across Europe. The 22-year-old had been linked elsewhere in the summer before remaining in Spain, but game time has been limited and that naturally alters the equation for both player and club. Liverpool are now among the sides monitoring the opportunity closely, with Chelsea and AC Milan also credited with interest.

From Liverpool’s perspective, the logic is straightforward. Iraola has inherited a squad that still looks short in key defensive areas, particularly on the left side. After Andy Robertson’s exit, the expectation was that Milos Kerkez would take a significant step forward. Instead, the position has remained a talking point. Kostas Tsimikas offers experience and depth, but Liverpool may still feel a higher ceiling is needed if they are to improve quickly.

Kerkez arrived with strong backing and, importantly, with prior experience under Iraola. There was a belief that a reunion would help unlock the form that persuaded Liverpool to spend around £40m on him. So far, that uplift has not fully materialised. Performances have remained uneven, and that leaves the recruitment team with a decision to make.

The current understanding is that Liverpool will continue assessing the position into the end of the calendar year. That is a sensible approach. Clubs do not usually move quickly on a role unless they are convinced there is both a market opportunity and a clear football fit. Balde may offer both.

He is young, proven at elite level, and stylistically suited to a side that wants intensity, recovery speed and progression from wide areas. Those attributes matter in any Iraola system, where full-backs are often asked to defend large spaces and contribute aggressively in transition.

What happens next may depend on Barcelona’s stance as much as Liverpool’s appetite. If Balde is genuinely considering a January move, competition for his signature is likely to be strong. Liverpool, though, have reason to believe regular minutes and a defined role could form a persuasive pitch.