Alejandro Balde, the 23-year-old left-back and Barcelona academy graduate, has become increasingly open to leaving Camp Nou during the January transfer window after falling down the pecking order under head coach Hansi Flick.
Balde has accepted he must depart his boyhood club to secure regular starting minutes and rebuild his confidence, according to reports. Despite defensive injuries handing him substitute outings against Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid and Alaves, he is yet to start this season behind established options Joao Cancelo and Xavi Espart.
The situation came to a head when Flick delivered a blunt public assessment ahead of a match with Alaves, stating: "Balde currently lacks the confidence he needs in his game, as well as the conviction. And defenders are crucial." These comments contrasted sharply with the German coach's earlier supportive tone on September 15, when he stated: "I am happy with him and everyone. We have three players in every position. Managing all of that is the most difficult part."
On October 16, Flick similarly remarked: "It's not an easy situation for him, but he is training very well, which is the first thing he needs to do. In that position, we have Espart and Cancelo. Surely it is not ideal for Balde, but he works professionally, which is what I want. In that situation, you have to prove you are ready, and he is doing that."
Balde feels particularly aggrieved after learning of his peripheral status through media briefings, unlike Marc Casado and Hector Fort, who received direct calls from Flick. Having spent 16 years at the club, the defender's frustration grew when senior teammates questioned tactical drills that displaced him from his natural position.
Barcelona require funds to reinvest defensively and are demanding at least €40 million for Balde, rejecting loan deals in favor of permanent transfers. The club's asking price was revealed by Diario Sport, which reported Barcelona believe Balde is worth at least €40m.
Manchester United and other Premier League clubs have been monitoring the situation, with the defender keen to test himself in England. Unless his minutes improve dramatically before the new year, Balde will actively listen to mid-season proposals. His agent Jorge Mendes is said to be "testing the market" and has already met with clubs from England, Germany and Italy. Balde remains determined to avoid the career stagnation experienced by close friend Ansu Fati, welcoming a departure structure similar to Ronald Araujo's.
