Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde faces uncertain future after just 12 minutes this season

Alejandro Balde’s position at Barcelona has become increasingly uncertain after the 22-year-old left-back made only one appearance this season, with head coach Hansi Flick currently preferring other options in his position.

According to French outlet Foot Mercato, Balde has played just 12 minutes since the campaign began. Those minutes came against Racing in La Liga at Camp Nou.

The Spain international has since been absent from Barcelona’s next six La Liga matches and was not used against Feyenoord in the Champions League. He was also left out of the squad for the opening fixture against Elche.

Balde’s decline in the pecking order has coincided with Flick placing Chavi Espart and Joao Cancelo ahead of him in his current choices at left-back. His limited involvement has also led Barcelona’s board to consider moving him on during the next transfer window.

However, Balde is not currently considering leaving the club. He remains committed to continuing his career at Barcelona, where his contract runs until June 2028.

The defender has made 169 appearances for Barcelona and believes he can regain his place in the team if given further opportunities. For that reason, he is not prepared to discuss a departure at this stage.

Barcelona are nevertheless hoping to change his position before the January transfer window opens. The club recognises that persuading Balde to leave may prove difficult, given his desire to remain and fight for regular football.

As the transfer window approaches, Barcelona will have to reassess both Balde’s situation and its options at left-back, particularly if he continues to remain outside Flick’s first-choice plans.