There is no redemption possible for Balde
The left-back is out of any plans of Hansi Flick
Alejandro Balde is increasingly close to leaving FC Barcelona in the January 2027 transfer market. The 23-year-old left-back found himself without minutes again against Atlético de Madrid, despite Hansi Flick needing to modify his defense. His decreasing prominence has led his camp to explore an exit.
🔴𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐀 𝐒𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐓 | 𝐀𝐥𝐞𝐣𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐫𝐨 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐝𝐞, sobre su futuro: "El Barça es mi casa. Llevo toda mi vida en Barcelona y quiero triunfar aquí. Mejor sitio que aquí no voy a encontrar" https://t.co/F83UkNfZgC
— Diario SPORT (@sport) July 29, 2026
Alejandro Balde receives another blow from Hansi Flick
The victory of Barcelona against Atlético de Madrid by 1-2 left an image that summarizes the situation of Alejandro Balde. The defender remained on the bench throughout the match, even when the German coach decided to replace Brian Fariñas at halftime due to his issues in containing the attacking threats from Atlético.
The most natural solution would have been to shift Joao Cancelo to right-back and place Balde on the left. However, Flick preferred to introduce Frenkie de Jong in a position he doesn't usually occupy, keeping the Portuguese on the opposite side.
The decision was particularly significant because Barcelona had several defensive absences. Jules Koundé and Xavi Espart were injured, while Eric García had just recovered from his physical issues. Even those circumstances did not allow the academy player to regain his spot.
The numbers confirm his situation. Out of the 16 official matches played by the team, Balde has only participated in five, all as a substitute. He has accumulated 124 minutes, with no goals or assists, and has not started in any competition. Mateu Alemany is focusing on a player from Barcelona, Alejandro Balde.
His most significant participation came in the Clásico against Real Madrid, where he played 60 minutes after Espart's injury. In his other appearances, he barely had time to assert himself.
FC Barcelona considers an exit in January
The situation of Alejandro Balde has changed considerably compared to previous seasons. The left-back had continuity in LaLiga, but now players like Cancelo, Espart, and Gerard Martín are ahead in Flick's decisions.
The player is under contract until June 2028 and has a market valuation of 50 million euros, according to Transfermarkt. However, his limited participation is prompting his camp to consider alternatives to regain minutes.
His representative, Jorge Mendes, is already working on possible solutions for the winter market. Although initially Balde wanted to stay in Barcelona and regain the coach's trust, the sporting situation has shifted his priorities.
The club also does not rule out strengthening the center of defense with a left-footed player. This addition would allow Gerard Martín to return to left-back, further increasing the competition in a position where Balde is barely participating.
Manchester United and Roma, keeping an eye on Alejandro Balde
During the past summer, Manchester United and Roma inquired about the defender's situation. Both clubs appear as potential destinations, although circumstances have changed concerning the upcoming market.
In Italy, Gian Piero Gasperini has decided to prioritize the signing of two forwards, so Roma has temporarily halted its plans to sign the Barça player.
The option of a loan is also on the table, in addition to a permanent transfer or a loan with an option to buy. The formula will depend on the proposals received by Barcelona in the coming weeks.
The next step for Alejandro Balde will come before the opening of the January 2027 transfer market, when Jorge Mendes will need to check which clubs maintain their interest and if there is an offer that allows the full-back to regain the continuity he has lost with Flick.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, No hay redención posible para Balde