Summary
FC Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde has reportedly decided to leave his boyhood club, seeking a loan move for the 2026/2027 season, though Barca prefers a permanent sale. This development follows a period of uncertainty for Balde, who was displaced by Joao Cancelo in Hansi Flick's starting XI. Coach Flick's recent public remarks questioned Balde's commitment and competitive level, further fueling speculation. Balde was subsequently omitted from a matchday squad, intensifying exit rumors. While Flick later clarified he hadn't asked Balde to leave, suggesting the player needed to "clear his mind," Balde's departure appears increasingly likely. Reports indicate Barcelona values him at €30-40 million, but experts suggest a loan with a higher buy option would be a more prudent financial move for the talented defender.
FC Barcelona wants to offload Alejandro Balde.
Alejandro Balde has reportedly decided to leave Manchester United according to MARCA.
FC Barcelona left back Alejandro Balde has decided that he wants to leave his boyhood club according to MARCA, which cited anonymous sources.
Balde is now pushing for a loan out for the duration of the 2026/2027 season, though Barca reportedly wants a sale with a week remaining until the transfer window closes.
The defender has often been linked with a potential move away from the Spotify Camp Nou because of constant interest from the Premier League.
In the last 10 days or so, though, his life in the Catalan capital, where he was born and raised, has been turned upside down.
First came the permanent free transfer of Joao Cancelo, who last season dislodged Balde from Hansi Flick’s starting XI.
Then on Saturday, Flick made comments at his prematch press conference ahead of Elche that seemed to suggest Balde’s commitment has been an issue.
“It’s a difficult question because he has enormous quality and it’s important to know if a player is convinced to be able to compete in his position. That’s what I want to see from all my players,” Flick said, when asked about the former Spain international.
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"Every day I see what the players do - the level - and if they show me that they have the level to play. In the end, we have to play as a team, only then will we have success. I need everyone to be one hundred percent," the German then added.
In the hours that followed these remarks, Balde was reported by Jijantes as having decided to leave the club.
Mundo Deportivo countered that by explaining the player wanted to stay and fight for his place. However if Barca doesn’t want him, he would be prepared to move on.
That latter feeling seemed to be the common theme when Balde was cut from the squad list for Elche.
After the match, though, Flick explicitly stressed that he personally hasn’t asked the 22-year-old to leave.
“No, I’m not asking him to leave. This morning I felt there was something wrong with him. I spoke to him and said: 'At this moment, I have this feeling, and I think it’s best for you to clear your mind, sort out your thoughts, and then we’ll talk again tomorrow.’ And he agreed as well. He agreed to it because there are so many things going around in his head, and that’s why he’s not here,” Flick clarified.
Despite these protests, though, it seems that Balde is indeed on the exit ramp.
FC Barcelona would be better off loaning Balde out as opposed to letting him go on the cheap
Reports that Barca want just €30 million and €40 million are concerning to say the least.
Though there’s a common feeling he’s stagnated and got too comfortable prior to Cancelo’s arrival, this is still one of the best left backs in the world on his day who could command double that fee in the Premier League.
While the club might not want it, letting him go out on loan and including a buy option north of the €55 million in Ronald Araujo’s temporary Liverpool terms would be better business in the long run for FC Barcelona.