Balde's options to leave Barcelona

The Spanish full-back, who has agreed to leave the Catalan club in January, is considering with his agent, Jorge Mendes, which club he can join in the winter transfer market.

Mario Roldán Martínez | 16 Oct 2026 | 19.00
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<p>Alejandro Balde, player for Barcelona / Europa Press</p>
<p>Alejandro Balde, player for Barcelona / Europa Press</p>

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17/10/26 18:30:00
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Alejandro Balde, a 22-year-old left-back for Barcelona, is considering leaving the club in the winter transfer market after only playing 12 minutes in ten matches this season. According to information published by SPORT, the player has already discussed the possibility of leaving in January with his agent, Jorge Mendes, with Manchester United's transfer market among the teams that could reignite their interest.

This scenario contrasts with Balde's stance during the summer when he expressed his wish to stay at Barça despite uncertainties about his role in Hansi Flick's plans. His lack of prominence at the start of the season has shifted perspectives and opened the door to a potential decision that the club would not rule out either.

Alejandro Balde Losing Ground in Flick's Plans

Balde's sporting situation elucidates the shift. The defender played only the last 12 minutes in the 7-2 victory against Racing de Santander on September 16th. In the other available matches of the season, he either remained on the bench or was not part of the squad.

Flick has used other alternatives to cover the left-back position, including João Cancelo and Xavi Espart. As per information from SPORT, Cancelo accumulated 386 minutes in eight matches, and Espart gathered 530 minutes in six league games. Both have had more playing time than the Spanish international.

The German coach had already spoken with Balde during the preseason to clarify that he would have to compete for his place. The player chose to stay and fight for minutes, but the campaign's beginning has not met his expectations. With the winter market approaching, the option of leaving is gaining traction.

Jorge Mendes Considering Alternatives for the Full-Back Position

Jorge Mendes' role will be crucial if Balde opts for a transfer. The agent has already discussed with the player the prospect of switching teams in January, although there hasn't been an official offer or advanced negotiation with another club yet.

Manchester United is one of the destinations to keep an eye on. The English club showed interest in the full-back last summer, so they might reassess his acquisition if his playing time shortage at Barcelona persists. Presently, there is no public proposal specifying the cost or terms of a potential deal.

Balde is under contract with Barça until June 30, 2028, following his renewal in September 2023. The agreement included a €1 billion release clause, a contractual figure not reflecting his market value or preventing clubs from negotiating a transfer.

Barcelona Assessing How to Capitalize on a Potential Exit

The sporting management does not necessarily see a departure as a negative scenario if it allows for squad reorganization. According to SPORT, an exit could create room to strengthen the center of defense with a left-sided center-back, a position unresolved in the summer and affected by Andreas Christensen's injury.

However, Barça would need to balance this need with the loss of a homegrown full-back under a long-term contract. The decision will depend on incoming offers, the player's definitive willingness, and the alternatives the club can explore.

In the coming weeks, Alejandro Balde will have to decide whether to continue fighting for a spot or formally request a January exit. If he confirms the intention to leave, Jorge Mendes can explore options, with Manchester United as a potential suitor, while Barcelona evaluates whether the move allows them to strengthen another area of the defense.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Las opciones de Balde para salir del Barcelona