Jorge Mendes begins search for new club after Alejandro Balde decides to leave Barcelona

Alejandro Balde has decided to seek a move away from Barcelona before the summer transfer window closes, according to Catalan outlet Jijantes.

The 21-year-old left-back is reported to have reached that decision after recent conversations and his impressions of the atmosphere inside the club. His Portuguese agent, Jorge Mendes, is now working to find him a new team during the final days of the transfer market.

The development represents a surprising change in the situation of a player who has established himself as an important member of Barcelona’s first-team squad.

Barcelona’s defensive options have increased with the permanent return of Joao Cancelo, a move which has added to competition for places in the full-back positions. Spanish reports in recent days have also linked Balde with Manchester United, with the Premier League club understood to have contacted his representatives to explore whether a deal could be completed.

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick was asked about Balde’s position during his news conference on Saturday. Flick said: “It’s a difficult question. Balde has a lot of quality. For me, it’s important, as I have said before, that you are able to compete for your position every time, and that is what I want to see from every player.”

He added: “I see what they do every day, and what they prove to me through that, that they are ready to play at the highest level. We need everyone. In the end, we will only achieve success as a team. We need everyone to be 100% committed to us.”

Balde had said after Barcelona’s Joan Gamper Trophy match against Al Ahly that he was concentrating on his performances and preparing for the new season. His comments came as speculation over his future continued to grow.

Jijantes reported that Balde’s decision followed his latest discussions with the club and the feelings he experienced as a result. The report was accompanied by a message stating: “Alejandro Balde will not continue at Barca. The defender has decided to seek a departure after the latest talks and feelings at the club. Jorge Mendes is working to find him a team in this final stretch of the transfer market.”

If the move goes ahead, Barcelona will face an important decision over one of the club’s academy graduates. Balde joined Barcelona at the age of eight and progressed through the youth system before becoming a regular for the senior side.

He has also gone on to represent Spain, making his possible departure significant both because of his first-team role and his long association with the Catalan club. Any transfer would need to be resolved before the summer window shuts, with Mendes now tasked with finding a destination for the defender.