Barcelona to cash in on Balde? Transfer stance on dropped star revealed
Tom Weber
- 9 Dec 2023 05:44 CST
- 3 min read
Despite having been dropped in recent weeks, Alejandro Balde is still thought to have a big future at Barcelona, according to Spanish media.
The 20-year-old left-back has been in an unfamiliar situation in Barcelona's last few games. Benched by head coach Xavi, Balde has rarely featured over the past few weeks, with the experience of Joao Cancelo being preferred in his position - despite Xavi having wanted to sign the Portuguese to finally solve the club's issues on the opposite side of the defence.
Balde has long been considered the heir to Jordi Alba in Barcelona's side and he appeared to live up to the billing last season, displacing the club legend from the starting eleven and keeping his place early on this term, with Alba having departed for Lionel Messi's Inter Miami.
The youngster was even rewarded with a bumper new deal and a €1 billion release clause earlier in the season, but the fact that he has been dropped has given rise to transfer speculation. FootballTransfers revealed earlier in the week that a move to the Premier League would make sense for Balde.
Using data provided by SciSports, we were able to show that the left-back would be an ideal option for the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Man City. However, a transfer in 2024, particularly in January, is highly unlikely given his steep price and fresh deal. Additionally, the Blaugrana have no intention to sell.
Barcelona's stance
Indeed, the initial reporting that benching Balde is a measure from Xavi to tell the youngster to up his game appears to have now been confirmed.
According to journalist Adrian Sanchez and his Spanish media colleagues, Barcelona retain full confidence in the 20-year-old and still see him as playing a crucial role in the club's future.
They fully believe that he can recapture his previous form and that he will be the starting option on the left side of the defence for many years to come.
