Alejandro Balde faces uncertain Barcelona future as Flick overlooks defender

Alejandro Balde has yet to make a Barcelona appearance this season after falling behind Gerard Martin and Joao Cancelo in Hans-Dieter Flick’s plans at left-back.

According to Sport, Flick currently prefers to use Gerard Martin and Joao Cancelo in the position, leaving Balde in an increasingly uncertain situation at the club.

Barcelona made the 22-year-old available during the summer transfer window after a difficult campaign affected by injuries. Balde missed 10 matches because of fitness problems, while Manchester United showed interest in signing him towards the end of the window.

However, the two clubs were unable to agree a fee. Balde, whose contract runs until 2028 and includes a €1bn release clause, had no desire to leave Barcelona.

Flick left him out of the squad for the opening La Liga match against Elche because he did not consider the player sufficiently fit. Balde was also placed behind Gerard Martin and Joao Cancelo in the pecking order at left-back.

He has not featured in any of Barcelona’s matches so far this season. Alongside Brian Farinas, he is the only fit outfield player in the squad yet to play.

The reserve goalkeepers Dominik Livakovic and Wojciech Szczesny have also not appeared, while Frenkie de Jong and Roony Bardghji remain sidelined with long-term injuries.

Deco backs Balde to regain his place

Barcelona sporting director Deco discussed Balde’s position during an interview with RAC1, insisting that the defender remains part of the club’s plans.

“Nothing has happened. He is our player. He is 22 years old, has a great future and a contract with the best club in the world. He has to compete for his place,” Deco said.

“Balde has suffered injuries, but he was extraordinary two years ago. If Balde is fit, it is difficult for him not to play for Barcelona,” he added.

Balde’s current position is a marked change from the start he made to last season.

At the beginning of the 2025-2026 campaign, the left-back started Barcelona’s first three La Liga matches and played 222 minutes.

Flick left him on the bench for the entire match on only five occasions during that season – just one more than the number of times that has happened already this term, despite September still being in its early stages.