Alejandro Balde’s Barcelona Future Could Be Reconsidered in January
Alejandro Balde’s situation at Barcelona is becoming increasingly difficult, with the homegrown defender potentially facing a decision over his future if his lack of playing time continues into the January transfer window.
The 22-year-old left-back has barely featured under Hansi Flick this season, managing just 12 minutes across Barcelona’s opening eight matches.
According to Mundo Deportivo, that lack of involvement could eventually force Balde to reconsider his position when the winter transfer window opens.
Balde Has Slipped Down Flick’s Hierarchy
Balde’s current situation represents a significant change from last season, when he was Barcelona’s preferred option at left-back.
However, the competition for his position has intensified.
João Cancelo moved ahead of him during the second half of the previous campaign, while Xavi Espart has also emerged as another option for Flick this season.
The Barcelona coach has previously indicated that Balde’s performances in matches and training had stagnated and that the defender must compete for his position rather than rely on his previous status within the squad.
So far, that competition has gone against him.
Balde has made only one appearance this season, coming on for the final 12 minutes of Barcelona’s 7-2 La Liga victory over Racing Santander.
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Manchester United Remain Interested
Balde’s situation is particularly interesting because there was already interest in his services during the summer.
The defender, who has this season plus another year remaining on his Barcelona contract, was among the players whose futures attracted attention during pre-season.
Manchester United were reportedly interested in bringing him to England, but Balde decided against exploring a departure at that stage.
His agent, Jorge Mendes, also appeared to play down concerns after meeting Barcelona president Joan Laporta following the close of the transfer window.
When asked about his client, Mendes offered a brief reassurance:
“Balde will be fine in the future, don’t worry.”
For now, however, Balde’s immediate future remains tied to how much playing time he receives under Flick.
January Could Become a Turning Point
Balde has previously shown no desire to leave Barcelona despite interest from Manchester United and elsewhere.
But the situation could change if the current pattern continues for another three months.
Playing just 12 minutes from Barcelona’s first eight matches has placed him firmly on the fringes of Flick’s squad, and regular first-team opportunities may become increasingly important as the season progresses.
If his position in the pecking order remains unchanged, January could therefore become a crucial moment.
Balde still has a future at Barcelona, but he will need opportunities to demonstrate his value. If those opportunities do not arrive, the possibility of reconsidering his future could become increasingly difficult to ignore.
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