Danny Murphy has urged Liverpool to strongly consider a winter move for Alejandro Balde. Speaking to Metro, the former Liverpool midfielder described the Barcelona left-back as a super talent and said he already has experience of being at a huge football club. Murphy's case is about more than ability. He wants a player who does not leave Liverpool guessing whether he can handle the pressure of a big club.

Murphy's case for Balde

"I think Balde could be great for Liverpool because he’s a super talent and he’s also got that experience of being at a huge football club with that expectation," Murphy said. He added: "I think the most important thing is trying to bring somebody in who doesn’t make you guess whether he can deal with the pressure of a big club."

That is the heart of the pitch. Balde has made 10 appearances and played 824 league minutes this season, which suggests he is already operating in a regular senior role rather than waiting on the margins. His average rating of 6.54 is solid rather than spectacular, but Murphy's argument is not built on hype. It is built on readiness.

Liverpool's left-back debate

Murphy also said Liverpool will be looking for a left-back, while noting that Miloš Kerkez is trying hard. He said there is an argument for bringing in more established players, and that fits a club still sorting out that side of the pitch. Liverpool have dropped points in five of their opening ten Premier League matches, and they sit fourth in the league.

The wider market picture is not settled either. Barcelona value Balde at around €40 million, while AS Roma are exploring a paid loan with an obligation to buy if they qualify for next season's Champions League. Juventus have also been linked in earlier reporting, so Liverpool are not alone in circling. Murphy's point is that Balde looks ready for a bigger stage now, not after another season of waiting.

If Liverpool do go into the January window for a left-back, Balde is now part of that conversation, and his Barcelona contract situation will keep him in the market through the winter.

Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 4 outlets. How we work →