Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde left out by Hansi Flick as future talks loom

Hansi Flick’s decision to leave Alejandro Balde out of Barcelona’s squad for the meeting with Elche has caused widespread debate at the Catalan club, with observers viewing the move as more than a routine tactical decision.

The Barcelona manager said at his news conference that Balde’s omission should not be interpreted as a sign that the club is preparing to sell the young left-back. Flick explained that the player was going through a difficult period and needed time to put his thoughts in order.

Flick and Balde are expected to hold a decisive meeting next Monday, when they will discuss the situation and seek to clarify the player’s position within the squad.

According to the programme Que t’hi Jugues! on Cadena SER, Barcelona remain convinced that Balde has all the qualities required to become the best player in Europe in his position. However, the club believes he is not currently showing the level of effort needed to reach that status.

Flick’s decision was therefore seen as a wake-up call for the 21-year-old. Balde himself was reportedly surprised by the omission because he had expected to be included in the squad. Despite that setback, people close to the player have indicated that he remains determined to stay at Barcelona and fight for his place.

Analyst Santi Ovalle said Balde had not been told at any stage during the summer that he was no longer part of the coaching staff’s plans. That understanding led the defender to reject several offers, only for him to now face a situation that is very different from the one he had anticipated.

Another analyst, Jofre Mateu, believes Flick also intended the episode to send a message to the rest of the Barcelona dressing room. The German coach warned last season about the danger of complacency after winning the title, and he is aware that Barcelona have a historic opportunity to win La Liga for three consecutive seasons.

That achievement has only previously been completed by Johan Cruyff and Pep Guardiola. Flick’s handling of Balde is viewed as an indication that he wants to make clear that no player is untouchable, regardless of status or previous contribution.

The club’s wider squad planning could also lead to changes at full-back. Hector Fort and Marc Casado appear to have uncertain futures at Camp Nou, with neither player having been assigned a first-team squad number so far.

Fort has attracted interest from Real Sociedad and Borussia Dortmund. The German club is considered to have the advantage in any potential move because of its greater financial strength.

Barcelona’s plans in the transfer market are also linked to Balde’s situation. Any attempt to sign another full-back would depend on the departure of the Spain international, although that possibility is currently regarded as unlikely.

If Balde were to leave, Jorge Salinas would be one of the names under consideration by Barcelona’s sporting department. The Racing de Santander full-back was one of the leading figures in the club’s promotion to La Liga last season and is viewed as a possible option should the need arise.

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