Jorge Mendes visit to Barcelona puts Alejandro Balde and Lamine Yamal in focus

Jorge Mendes is due to arrive in Barcelona within hours for a brief visit during which Alejandro Balde and Lamine Yamal will be among the players on his agenda.

The Portuguese agent is not scheduled to meet Barcelona officials, although an informal meeting could still take place during the day given his strong relationship with the Catalan club.

According to Sport, Mendes is expected to arrive at the private aircraft terminal at about 14:00 local time. He will remain in Barcelona for only a few hours, with several commitments and meetings planned.

His presence in the city is not, in principle, linked to a specific visit to Barcelona. However, a meeting with the club cannot be ruled out because of the close relationship between Mendes and the club.

Mendes has been one of Barcelona’s main allies in recent years, particularly during periods when the club faced financial difficulties. Regardless of the precise purpose of his trip, his work is inevitably connected to the sporting situations of the players he represents.

Balde’s position is likely to attract particular attention. The left-back has not yet secured the role he expected to have at the beginning of the season.

In the final days of the transfer window, Balde spoke with head coach Hansi Flick and expressed his desire to remain at Barcelona. He also made clear that he remains convinced he can change his situation.

The player continues to believe he has the ability to return to the level he showed in previous seasons, when he established himself among the leading full-backs in Europe.

Competition for places, however, remains intense. Flick currently considers other options to be in better physical and competitive condition, while the strong performances of Xavi Espart have made it more difficult for Balde to secure regular opportunities.

Yamal’s situation is markedly different. The Barcelona forward, one of Mendes’ most prominent clients, is enjoying one of the best periods of his career and continues to strengthen his case as a contender for the Ballon d’Or with a series of outstanding performances.

Barcelona are highly satisfied with Yamal’s form and current condition. His circumstances are unrelated to Balde’s, but both players are part of the group that keeps Mendes closely connected to the club’s day-to-day sporting activity.