Alejandro Balde Leaves Barcelona as Mendes Seeks New Club
Alejandro Balde’s time at FC Barcelona is heading for an abrupt twist. According to Jijantes FC, the 22-year-old left-back has decided to leave the club this summer, and Jorge Mendes is already at work to engineer his exit in the final days of the window.
The super-agent has been in Barcelona this week, not just for routine meetings but with a clear mission: find Balde a new home. After a turbulent few months, the La Masia graduate is ready to walk away from the club he grew up in.
From rising starter to uncertain future
Balde’s situation has been under the microscope all summer. He lost his starting spot in the second half of last season, with Joao Cancelo pushing him out of the XI. When Barcelona then brought Cancelo back on a permanent deal, the message was hard to ignore. Competition on the left side of defence had just hardened again.
Until recently, Balde’s stance sounded defiant. He repeatedly expressed his desire to stay, to fight, to win his place back at his boyhood club. But internal conversations have shifted the story.
After the latest round of talks between Balde, Mendes and the club, the defender has now decided to look for a “new adventure” in his career. The door that he had tried to keep shut on a move is now open.
Hansi Flick’s view has played its part. The Barcelona manager has been unconvinced about Balde’s level and suitability, and he did not hide that when asked in his press conference earlier today.
“It’s a difficult question. Balde has a lot of quality. For me it is important, as I have said before, you have to have the condition to compete in a home position and this I want to see in each player,” Flick said.
“I see what they do every day, which shows me that they are ready to play at the highest level. In the end, we will only succeed as a team. We need everyone 100% committed to us.”
The message was clear: quality is not enough. Commitment, consistency and competition will decide who stays on the pitch – and perhaps who stays at the club.
Manchester United circle as market heats up
As Balde edges towards the exit, the market has already started to react. Manchester United have registered concrete interest. As confirmed by Fabrizio Romano earlier this week, the Premier League side contacted Mendes to ask about Balde’s situation and the conditions for a potential deal.
The Red Devils are not alone. Balde has also been offered to AC Milan, although the price being quoted – over €40 million – could be a stumbling block for the Italian club.
Barcelona, for their part, are no longer closing ranks around their academy product. With Balde now open to a move, the club are prepared to sell if a suitable offer lands on the table. A significant fee for a homegrown player would also help their financial balance.
The shift is so stark that there is even a real chance Balde will not be included in the squad for tomorrow’s La Liga opener against Elche.
From La Masia hope to potential omission on opening night – Balde’s Barcelona chapter is suddenly running out of pages.
