The fullback Alejandro Balde is one of the FC Barcelona players who is experiencing quite a lot of uncertainty in this last phase of the summer transfer window. The defender was reportedly working throughout the summer to regain importance in Hansi Flick’s plans for the new season, but some recent developments have not really gone his way.
First, the Catalans signed Joao Cancelo permanently after the Portuguese fullback terminated his contract with the Saudi side Al-Hilal, and as the second half of the last season showed, the German coach clearly prefers Cancelo over Balde.
Meanwhile, the youngster Xavi Espart has made a significant leap, and is now expected to be a regular feature in the plans of the Blaugrana coach. In fact, the young player remained in the squad even as Flick dropped Balde for the first game of the season against Elche.
The Spaniard was then called up for the second game against Athletic Club, but did not get to play any minutes, and cameras also caught him not looking too happy sitting on the bench.
Still, according to [MARCA](https://www.marca.com/futbol/barcelona/2026/08/28/barca-cree-balde-marcha-atras.html), Barcelona believe that Balde has no plans of leaving the club this summer, and will continue to fight for a place in Flick’s plans. At least, the defender has not made any request for a transfer to the club so far. Still, [they are not completely ruling out a departure of the Spanish defender](https://barcanewsnetwork.com/alejandro-balde-makes-decision-on-barcelona-future-after-recent-talks/), even though there are only four days left in the transfer window.
Thus, Alejandro Balde’s situation is somewhat different from that of other players like Marc Casado, Hector Fort, or Alvaro Cortes, who are all more likely to leave Barcelona this summer. For now, it remains to be seen which sides these players will pick for this season, and whether they will be able to complete a move before the market closes.