Barcelona’s Laporta-Mendes meeting was not about Liverpool-linked Alejandro Balde

Barcelona president Joan Laporta held talks with Jorge Mendes, the agent of several of the club’s players, but the meeting did not concern upcoming transfer windows.

The discussion took place only days after the summer transfer window closed, according to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo, which cited sources close to Barcelona.

Barcelona completed the permanent signing of Joao Cancelo on a three-season contract late in August. Their most recent completed piece of business was midfielder Marc Casado’s loan move to Deportivo La Coruna until the end of the current season.

One of the players represented by Mendes is left-back Alejandro Balde, a product of Barcelona’s academy. Balde has attracted significant attention in recent days after his role in Hansi Flick’s side diminished.

There have also been reports linking Balde with Liverpool, but no move is expected at present. With several months still to go before the next transfer window, the meeting between the club and Mendes was not intended to discuss possible transfer scenarios.

Should the need arise, there will be time to consider those matters at a later date.

Barcelona back Yamal for Ballon d’Or

The most prominent Barcelona player represented by Mendes is Lamine Yamal, with 42 days remaining until the winner of the 2026 Ballon d’Or is announced.

Barcelona’s official position is clear: the club has backed its number 10 for the France Football award.

Laporta, Flick, sporting director Deco and vice-president Rafael Yuste have all publicly supported Yamal’s candidacy in succession.

The club’s senior figures voiced their backing for the global star and La Masia graduate after he was confirmed among the 30 nominees for the Ballon d’Or.

The shortlist was notable for the absence of Raphinha and Pedri Gonzalez, who were both left out.

Real Madrid had previously declared its support for forward Kylian Mbappe. The club’s backing was expressed by manager Jose Mourinho, who is described as Real Madrid’s authorised voting representative.