Barcelona's Alejandro Balde pours cold water on Liverpool links via social media

Any hopes of Liverpool signing Barcelona and Spain left-back Alejandro Balde received a blow this week as the defender himself dismissed rumours of a move during a social media interaction with a fan.

The 20-year-old prodigy, who emerged from Barcelona's prestigious youth academy and broke into the first team in the 2021/22 season, has caught the attention of many clubs across Europe, including the Reds, who are eyeing a long-term replacement for Andrew Robertson, 30, with Kostas Tsimikas not stepping up when required.

While a left-back isn't the biggest priority this summer, Barcelona's precarious financial situation, necessitating player sales to balance the books and facilitate new signings, has kept interested clubs alert to the possibility of any unexpected departures.

Balde has no intention of leaving Barcelona

However, Balde himself made his stance clear in a light-hearted yet firm response after a Liverpool fan asked him to "come to Liverpool in summer" on social media.

Balde, evidently amused by the suggestion, replied, "And leaving Barcelona in summer? No man," followed by a laughing emoji.

That said, Balde's stance, as well as his contract, which runs until 2028 and includes a hefty £852 million (€1 billion) release clause, doesn't entirely safeguard him from a potential transfer.

A recent report from 90 Min indicates that while players like Pedri, Gavi and Lamine Yamal are considered untouchable, Balde's name is noticeably absent from this list.

Should new coach Hansi Flick wish to bring in reinforcements this summer, Balde could be one player set for the exit door.

Injuries rob Balde of Euro 2024 spot

Balde's trajectory so far has been nothing short of remarkable. He established himself in the Barcelona first team at the age of 18 during the 2022/23 season, during which he made 33 La Liga appearances and 44 in all competitions under then-coach Xavi.

His performances resulted in his surprise selection for Spain at the 2022 World Cup.

Despite being linked with Manchester City last summer, he stayed put at the Nou Camp. However, his 2023/24 season was marred by injuries, which restricted him to just 18 La Liga appearances, costing him his place at Euro 2024.

Despite persistent links to Liverpool since 2019, a move for Balde remains speculative at best. For now, the young star appears committed to his journey at Barcelona despite remaining on the radar of top European clubs.