From untouchable to the exit door: Liverpool enter the race for frozen-out Barça star

Not long ago Alejandro Balde was labeled untouchable at Camp Nou. Now, at 22, he is quietly becoming the most intriguing Premier League target of the winter window.

Details: After links to Manchester United before the transfer window closed, Liverpool are now also closely following Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde. The 22-year-old Spaniard could consider a move in January due to a lack of playing time under Hansi Flick.

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Balde's fall down the pecking order has been one of the quiet subplots of Barcelona's otherwise perfect start. Gerard Martín has seized the left-back spot with a string of excellent performances, and Flick has not been shy about the reasons: ahead of the Elche match the German publicly questioned the defender's focus, revealing he had told Balde to clear his mind before they would talk again. The club, still walking a financial tightrope despite the Camp Nou windfall, have signaled openness to offers for a player once considered the future of the Blaugrana defense. Manchester United circled in late August and are planning a renewed push, but Liverpool's entry changes the equation: the Reds, now led by Andoni Iraola, have already done business with Barcelona this summer by bringing in Ronald Araújo, and they see Balde as a long-term solution on the left flank. For the player, the calculus is brutally simple, minutes or a new challenge, and January is approaching fast.

It's worth noting that Balde is a product of La Masia who made his senior debut at 17 and has already won two La Liga titles with Barcelona despite his young age.

Reminder: Liverpool and Man United hunt 18-year-old diamond.