Hansi Flick can "dismiss" a player after the PSG-Barça

Alejandro Balde, a 23-year-old left-back, faces a match against Paris Saint-Germain that could determine his future in the FC Barcelona transfer market come January. With only 12 minutes played this season and several defensive absences in the Barcelona squad, another spell on the bench would strengthen the possibility of seeking an exit in the January market.

The sporting situation of Alejandro Balde has deteriorated since the start of the season. The full-back has only featured in one LaLiga game, playing 12 minutes in the 7-2 win against Racing de Santander on September 16. Since then, he has been available but has not been given any minutes by Hansi Flick.

Alejandro Balde names his three toughest opponents 😯 https://t.co/KPyMBBKHTQ

— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) October 26, 2024

Alejandro Balde has an opportunity due to FC Barcelona's absences

The match against Paris Saint-Germain presents a different scenario. The FC Barcelona squad has traveled to Paris without Jules Koundé and Eric García, both injured against Betis. Eric will be out for between three and four weeks, while Koundé has a sprained left ankle and is ruled out for this match.

Andreas Christensen also joins the team with physical problems, and Gerard Martín had Achilles tendon issues against Betis, although he was eventually included in the squad. Flick even had to add academy player Àlex Campos to the expedition. Balde's options to leave Barcelona.

This context turns the Champions League match into a significant test for Balde. If he still doesn't get minutes even with a depleted defense, his position in the rotation would be further weakened. It wouldn't necessarily be a definitive decision by Flick, but it would confirm a trend that has persisted since September.

Balde also didn't play against Feyenoord or Galatasaray in the first two European matches. In LaLiga, he was an unused substitute against Athletic Club, Rayo Vallecano, Valencia, Levante, Sevilla, Getafe, and Betis, in addition to those 12 minutes against Racing.

The January market emerges as a way out for Alejandro Balde

The difference from the previous season is particularly significant. Alejandro Balde played 42 official matches in the 2025/26 season, 31 as a starter, despite suffering two muscular injuries. His prominence has shifted from being a regular part of the rotation to nearly disappearing at the beginning of this campaign.

His contractual situation doesn't force Barcelona to make an immediate decision. Balde is under contract until June 30, 2028, with a release clause of 1 billion euros. His market value was 50 million in the last available update from Transfermarkt.

Balde needs playing time

Therefore, a potential exit would primarily need to address his sporting situation. The player needs playing time, and if Flick maintains the current hierarchy even during the defensive emergency, the January 2027 market emerges as the next opportunity to explore alternatives.

The first step will come tonight in Paris. Alejandro Balde is in the squad to face PSG, and Flick needs defensive solutions. If he remains unused despite the absences, both the player and FC Barcelona will have an additional reason to consider an exit when the winter market opens.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Hansi Flick puede "echar" a un jugador tras el PSG-Barça