Alejandro Balde exit could force Barcelona into late transfer reshuffle

Barcelona are facing a major decision over their left-back position before the summer transfer window closes, with Alejandro Balde’s future increasingly uncertain amid interest from Manchester United.

Balde had been determined to remain at Barcelona, but the approach from Manchester United has reportedly changed the situation. According to Spanish newspaper Sport, the 21-year-old is now open to considering a move, particularly after the return of Joao Cancelo and growing concerns that his role in Hansi Flick’s plans could be reduced.

Should Manchester United make a strong offer and secure Balde’s agreement to leave, sporting director Deco and Flick would have three possible routes to reshape Barcelona’s squad.

The most straightforward option would be to sign a replacement left-back. Flick has already used Cancelo in that position, but Barcelona could still decide that another specialist is needed to fill the gap created by Balde’s departure.

However, completing such a deal late in the window could prove difficult. Clubs may be reluctant to release established first-team players at this stage of the market, while Barcelona could be forced to pay a substantial fee for a suitable replacement an investment the club may not want to make.

A second possibility would be to move Gerard Martin back to left-back and use the money from Balde’s sale to recruit a new centre-back. That approach would fit with some of Barcelona’s previous transfer-market activity, given that Deco has already monitored several defenders as potential additions to the back line.

This plan would also allow Barcelona to retain the benefit of Martin’s versatility. He can operate in more than one defensive position, although Flick was satisfied with his performances at centre-back last season. The manager would reportedly want any new defender to be of a particularly high standard and capable of making a genuine difference to the team.

The third option would involve placing greater trust in young defender Jordi Peskier. The teenager impressed during the latest pre-season preparations and could be asked to provide cover on the left when required.

That would be the riskiest solution, especially if an injury to Cancelo left a player who is still only 17 carrying significant responsibility. At the same time, it would reflect Flick’s willingness to give Barcelona academy players meaningful opportunities within the first team.

Balde’s situation could therefore become more than a straightforward transfer decision. His departure would affect Barcelona’s thinking in several areas of the squad, leaving Deco and Flick to choose between signing a new left-back, strengthening at centre-back or promoting one of the club’s young prospects.

With the transfer window approaching its deadline, Barcelona must decide which option offers the best balance between immediate cover, financial responsibility and the development of their younger players.