Alejandro Balde set to fight for Barcelona place after Hansi Flick talks

Alejandro Balde wants to remain at Barcelona and compete for his place in the starting line-up despite being left out of the squad for their La Liga opener by manager Hansi Flick.

Balde’s future has come under renewed scrutiny after Flick omitted the left-back from Barcelona’s squad for Sunday’s match against Elche, just days before the transfer window closes.

Barcelona’s position remains unclear. The Catalan club could consider offers for Balde as it looks to raise funds and rebuild its defence by bringing in a new defender.

However, according to Cadena SER, Balde’s preference is to continue his career at Barcelona and work towards regaining his place in the first team.

Flick said before Sunday’s match that he had spoken to Balde that morning and told him he was “not fully committed”. The Barcelona manager explained that he believed it would be better for the player to stay at home and organise his thoughts, with the pair due to speak again the following day.

Flick had already suggested that Balde’s future could be uncertain during the news conference before the game. He stressed that every Barcelona player needed to be completely convinced that they could compete for their position within the team.

Despite those comments and his omission from the squad, Balde does not view Flick’s words as an indication that he should leave Barcelona. Instead, he regards them as a warning that he must improve his performances further, with the manager expected to demand more from him.

The situation could change if an offer arrives and Barcelona makes clear that Balde will no longer be part of its plans. For now, the player is understood to be preparing to stay and fight for a regular role in Flick’s side.

Manchester United are monitoring Balde’s situation closely and could make a move for him if his circumstances change in the coming weeks.

Barcelona began their La Liga campaign with Sunday’s fixture against Elche, but Balde was not involved after Flick decided not to include him in the matchday squad. The decision has intensified questions over the defender’s position at the club at a time when the transfer deadline is approaching.

The left-back’s immediate future therefore remains unresolved, although his own stance is clear: Balde wants to stay in Catalonia and convince Flick that he deserves to be restored to Barcelona’s starting line-up.