Alejandro Balde Asks to Leave Barcelona

The future of Alejandro Balde has taken a significant turn in the final days of the transfer window. After insisting for much of the summer that he wanted to remain at FC Barcelona, the Spanish full-back has reportedly changed his position and has now given his agent, Jorge Mendes, the green light to find him a new club.

According to Sport, the 22-year-old understands that his situation could be complicated this season. Hansi Flick does not appear to view him as an undisputed part of his starting lineup, while competition has increased even further with João Cancelo.

That is precisely where one of Balde’s biggest problems lies.

The Portuguese full-back has the coaching staff’s confidence and can operate on both sides of the defense, meaning the Spaniard risks beginning the season without a regular place in the starting XI. With that possibility in mind and only a few days remaining in the transfer window, Balde is now reportedly willing to listen to offers.

Balde Looks for More Playing Time Away From Barcelona

The situation is very different from just a few weeks ago.

Before the World Cup, there were already doubts surrounding his future, but both Balde and his camp maintained a firm position: he wanted to stay and fight for his place.

Now the scenario has changed.

Barcelona’s commitment to Cancelo has made the priorities of Flick and Deco quite clear, while Balde needs regular playing time at an important stage of his career. At 22, spending an entire season as an alternative could slow the progress that once made him one of the most exciting young full-backs in Spanish soccer.

That is why Mendes is now working to find a solution before the transfer window closes.

Benfica and Aston Villa Emerge as Options

Finding a new destination will not necessarily be easy.

According to Sport, Benfica have already shown concrete interest and could present an offer worth around €20 million. The problem is that such a figure would fall well short of Barcelona’s expectations, with the club reportedly valuing a potential departure at approximately €40-45 million just a few months ago.

Aston Villa have also emerged as a possibility. Unai Emery’s side are looking to strengthen the left-back position, although they would need to generate funds before making a significant investment.

With only a few days remaining, Barcelona will have to decide how far they are willing to go in negotiations.

Balde is under contract, still young and has plenty of room to develop, so the club does not want to let him leave at any price. But his sporting situation also carries significant weight.

If Flick cannot guarantee him a prominent role and Cancelo is ahead of him in the competition for a starting place, a departure could ultimately become the best solution for everyone involved.

What seemed practically out of the question only a few weeks ago is now firmly on the table: Alejandro Balde is willing to leave FC Barcelona in search of the playing time he is unlikely to have guaranteed this season.