Alejandro Balde’s Barcelona role under fresh pressure as Flick looks to other left-back options

Barcelona defender Alejandro Balde’s struggle for regular first-team football intensified during the club’s 2-0 La Liga victory over Athletic Club, after manager Hansi Flick again chose not to introduce him from the bench.

Flick had already challenged the 22-year-old to produce “100%” of his ability at a recent news conference. His decisions during the match at Camp Nou delivered another clear indication of the competition Balde faces for a place in the Barcelona side.

Xavi Espart started at left-back against the Basque club. When Flick decided to make a change on that side of the team, he turned instead to Joao Cancelo, leaving Balde without any playing time.

According to Spanish newspaper Sport, Balde had begun warming up before returning to the substitutes’ bench. The defender was unable to hide his disappointment at not being given the opportunity to take part, a reaction understandable from any professional footballer in his position.

Balde is aware that his task is becoming increasingly difficult. That is not simply because Flick has told him so directly; the German coach’s team selections are now reflecting the same view. Balde must decide whether to continue fighting for his place at Barcelona or reconsider his future.

Flick would welcome a stronger version of the full-back, who remains a player with considerable potential at the age of 22. However, Balde’s status has changed significantly in recent days. He has gone from being a regular starter to a substitute, while the emergence of Xavi Espart has added to the pressure.

Espart has now been given a first-team squad number and has been used as a more advanced left-back. Barcelona have also added Joao Cancelo to their options on that flank, further reducing Balde’s immediate path into the starting XI.

The situation leaves Balde with two broad choices. He can accept the challenge and attempt to win back his place, or he can revisit the possibility of moving during the transfer window in search of a more prominent role.

With 1 September approaching, finding a suitable destination at this stage would be difficult. Manchester United could still open the door to him at any time, as has been suggested in recent reports, while there have also been reports in the past few hours of interest from Milan.

Balde is valued at about 40m euros by Barcelona. Should the club agree to sell him, it would expect the transfer to generate a significant fee for its finances. Another possibility would be to wait until the winter transfer window before making a decision, particularly if his current secondary role continues.

A loan move is also an alternative, similar to the arrangement completed involving Araujo and Liverpool, although that option is not currently being considered.

Balde remains under contract with Barcelona until 2028, with a release clause worth 1bn euros. Ultimately, the decision rests largely with the player: he can stay and compete for his place in the team, or pursue an opportunity at another club that offers him a guaranteed starting role.