Report: Milan, Liverpool and Man Utd to go ‘all out’ for €45m Barcelona defender

A journalist has claimed that AC Milan want to sign Alejandro Balde from Barcelona, but they face strong competition to get him.

Going into the January window, there continues to be talk about Milan strengthening in the left wing-back role. Pervis Estupinan has not been convincing since his arrival, and Davide Bartesaghi is now being used even further forward, as is Diego Moreira.

On top of that there are the injuries to Alexis Saelemaekers and Samuel Chukwueze which hinder the wing-back depth more generally, so the matter could be addressed as early as the winter window.

According to Barcelona-based journalist Juan Jesus, Liverpool and AC Milan ‘are going all out for Alejandro Balde’. They have apparently joined Manchester United in the bidding war to sign the young defender.

He adds that both Andoni Iraola and Rúben Amorim ‘are fans of the player and believe he would fit perfectly into their respective systems’. Barcelona are not opposed to a sale but are asking for a minimum of €45m to let him go.

Balde was linked with Milan in the summer as a potential opportunity that agent Jorge Mendes could orchestrate, and Barca boss Hansi Flick recently commented on his situation.

“It’s normal for a player to lose confidence when he’s not playing, but Balde is doing a great job in every training session,” he said.

“I have a tremendous amount of respect for Balde and I try to help him regain confidence in himself, that’s what the coaching staff should do. He’s trying to get back to his best level and I’m happy for him.”