Fabrizio Romano confirms pieces are falling into place, Liverpool ready to seal deal

Liverpool have a golden opportunity to seal a fantastic deal. Fabrizio Romano has confirmed the pieces are falling into place.

Liverpool need to do something about their defence. That’s not to say it’s a poor defence by any means but the long-term future in every role is unclear - signings will just have to happen.

Right-back is a mess, if we’re honest. Jeremie Frimpong is completely frozen out from the position, Conor Bradley remains out with a serious injury, and Ronald Araujo is only on loan. He’s also not a natural right-back.

Centre-back? Things are even worse. Only Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni are both members of the first-team squad and contracted beyond this season. And the latter hasn’t played in over a year.

Left-back’s hardly any better, either. The jury remains out on Milos Kerkez, while Kostas Tsimikas is both questionable as an option and out of contract next summer. It’s a situation Liverpool must do something about.

Liverpool and Alejandro Balde

Alejandro Balde is only 23 but he’s played over 170 times for Barcelona. It feels, however, like this will be his final season with the club - and he might not even see it out.

Fabrizio Romano confirmed the details on Monday. He told his YouTube channel that Balde had the chance to leave in the summer but stayed to fight for his place. That hasn’t worked out, however, as the left-back barely features.

It’s led to change of heart. His agents are now looking into a possible move away, potentially to a club that showed interest in the summer window. If they remain interested, of course.

Liverpool were reportedly one of those clubs. Journalist Juan Jesus claims their interest very much remains and that they’re pushing, along with AC Milan, towards a deal.

Liverpool’s new left-back, then? Balde fits the profile as an experienced but young player who knows how to play for a top team. He’s also someone who wants minutes but doesn’t necessarily boast the kind of reputation to entirely force Kerkez out.

But as a rival for the Hungarian? Balde feels like the right player to pursue, especially if Barcelona are eager to cash in right now. One to watch, absolutely.