Barcelona defender Balde open to January move as first-team role remains unclear

Alejandro Balde is increasingly accepting that he may have to leave Barcelona to secure regular first-team football, according to a report by Mundo Deportivo.

The 23-year-old has not given up hope of remaining at the club, but is beginning to recognise that a move could be necessary if he is to play more consistently.

Balde had hoped injuries in Barcelona’s defence would allow him to establish himself. He has featured for minutes against Paris Saint-Germain, in the clasico and in Saturday’s match against Alaves, but has not started any of those games.

Hansi Flick’s pre-match news conference and his team selection against Alaves appear to have clarified Balde’s current position. In the competition for a starting place, he has been behind Cancelo and Espart, while his performances have reportedly dipped and he has failed to take his opportunities.

Barcelona’s coaching staff believe Balde is losing concentration and is not reading matches well enough when deciding when to press.

Flick was particularly direct when discussing the defender before the Alaves game.

“Balde does not currently have enough confidence in his performances, nor the necessary conviction. Defenders are very important,” said the German manager.

The comments were a difficult message for Balde, who had been hoping to make his first start of the season.

Flick’s earlier public assessment had been more positive. On 15 September, he said: “I am happy with him and with everyone. We have three players for each position. Managing all of this is the most difficult part.”

His view remained similar on 16 October. “The situation is not easy for him, but he is training very well, and that is the first thing he has to do. In this position, we have Espart and Cancelo. The situation is certainly not ideal for Balde, but he is working professionally, and that is what I want. In a situation like this, you have to show that you are ready, and he is doing that.”

Balde frustrated by lack of clarity

Balde is understood to be frustrated. He had expected Flick to speak to him directly, as the manager did with Casado and Hector Fort before the transfer window closed, when he told them they would not receive opportunities to play.

Balde was with several team-mates at the time, but did not receive a similar message. According to people close to him, everything he has learned about his situation has come through press conferences.

He also found it difficult to understand why Barcelona signed Joao Cancelo, particularly because the Portuguese player arrived through his own agent, Jorge Mendes.

Cancelo has nevertheless become one of Balde’s main sources of support in the dressing room. He offers him reassurance and advice, encourages him to persevere and has occasionally defended him to Flick.

Premier League interest

The recent developments have led Balde to consider leaving during the next winter transfer window.

Manchester United and Manchester City asked about his availability last summer, while Bayern Munich also showed interest before signing Nathaniel Brown.

Balde has a strong reputation in the Premier League and Manchester United has emerged as a possible destination. The player is also attracted by the prospect of trying his luck in England.

If his situation does not change, which currently appears unlikely, he will listen to offers. He has taken note of his friend Ansu Fati’s experience after spending several years at Barcelona without regular playing time.

Balde does not want another season without meaningful involvement and would welcome an arrangement similar to Ronald Araujo’s loan move to Liverpool.

Barcelona are reluctant to sanction loans easily, however, while the club needs to raise funds to strengthen its defence in January. If Balde does leave, a permanent transfer may be the more likely outcome, with Premier League clubs, including Manchester United, possessing the financial capacity to complete such a deal.