Lewis Steele Discusses Liverpool Left-Back Plans Amid Alejandro Balde Links

Liverpool could look to strengthen at left-back during the coming transfer windows, with Barcelona defender Alejandro Balde among the names being linked with a move to Anfield.

Speaking to Dave Davis on Anfield Index’s Media Matters podcast, Daily Mail journalist Lewis Steele discussed Liverpool’s options at left-back and whether the position could emerge as a priority for the club’s recruitment team.

Balde’s situation at Barcelona has inevitably generated interest. The 22-year-old has struggled for opportunities at the beginning of the season, despite making 42 appearances for the Spanish club last term. Recent reports have subsequently linked Liverpool with the defender.

Steele believes Liverpool could indeed enter the market for a left-back.

“I think so. I think they should be,” Steele said when Davis asked whether Liverpool could target the position.

Liverpool Left-Back Situation Raises Questions

Liverpool’s existing options were central to Steele’s assessment.

Milos Kerkez has yet to fully convince following his arrival at Anfield, while Kostas Tsimikas also came under discussion.

“I think that realistically they would have wanted the left-back this summer because, as we’ve seen so far this season, Kerkez is still not there yet,” Steele said.

He was equally clear when discussing Liverpool’s alternative option.

“Tsimikas just doesn’t look good enough. I think it’s fair to say.”

The situation has already resulted in Liverpool using both players this season, with Tsimikas coming into the starting XI against Fulham last weekend.

For Steele, strengthening the position therefore appears a logical consideration regardless of whether Balde eventually becomes the chosen target.

Alejandro Balde Links Make Sense

Davis specifically raised Balde during the Media Matters conversation, pointing towards the Barcelona defender’s situation and asking whether Liverpool could be interested.

Steele could understand why the connection has been made.

“As for Balde, I see why the name gets mentioned,” he said.

“It might make sense financially and his situation in terms of playing time and whatever.”

Balde has found himself outside Barcelona’s starting plans during the opening weeks of the campaign. Reports in Spain indicate that he remained at the club during the summer intending to fight for his position, although he had not featured in their opening five competitive matches.

That situation could potentially become significant when the transfer market reopens.

Steele Has Not Heard of Liverpool Move

Crucially, Steele stopped short of confirming that Balde is currently a Liverpool target.

“I’ve not actually heard anything to link him with Liverpool just yet,” he told Davis.

That provides an important distinction between Liverpool having a potential need at left-back and Balde being the player they have identified to solve it.

Reports elsewhere have claimed Liverpool are interested in the Barcelona defender, with Manchester United also linked with him. Steele, however, was careful not to present those reports as information he could independently confirm.

“There’s obviously more left-backs out there,” he added.

Steele also mentioned Newcastle United defender Lewis Hall as a player he liked, although Hall’s contractual situation makes that particular possibility more complicated.

Left-Back Could Become Liverpool Priority

The broader recruitment question appears more significant than any individual name.

Liverpool are currently operating without a permanent sporting director following Richard Hughes’ departure, with Steele and Davis also discussing the club’s search for his successor.

Whoever ultimately takes responsibility for Liverpool’s recruitment strategy could therefore inherit a significant decision concerning the left side of Iraola’s defence.

“I think the new sporting director, whether that’s Julian Ward or an external candidate or whoever, will surely think that left-back has to be one of the priorities in the next year,” Steele said.

He later reinforced that position.

“It’s got to be a priority for me.”

For Liverpool, Balde is therefore an intriguing name rather than a confirmed target based on Steele’s information.

His current situation at Barcelona helps explain why the links have emerged, while Liverpool’s own circumstances provide an obvious reason for considering left-back reinforcements.

Whether that eventually leads Liverpool towards Balde remains uncertain. Steele’s wider message was considerably clearer, left-back is a position he believes the club should be looking to strengthen.