Alejandro Balde’s Dilemma at Barcelona Under Hansi Flick

Alejandro Balde chose to stay at Barcelona to regain his place, but after five official matches, he has yet to play. Hansi Flick continues to favor Xavi Espart and Joao Cancelo, while January is emerging as a potential turning point.

Alejandro Balde Is Relegated as the Problem Grows for Hansi Flick

Alejandro Balde made the important decision to remain at FC Barcelona after the summer transfer window and fight to regain the prominence he enjoyed in previous seasons. However, that decision has not started as he expected. After the first five official matches of the season, the left-back has yet to play a single minute.

The situation is significant because Hansi Flick had already made it clear during pre-season that he expected the player to improve. Balde had options to leave the club, but he chose to stay and compete for a position that had seemed secure for a long time.

Hansi Flick Has Already Found an Alternative at Left-Back

Xavi Espart has been one of the biggest surprises at the start of the season and has responded with solid performances. His development has impressed Hansi Flick, who has used him as one of his main options at left-back.

The competition became even more difficult with Barcelona’s Champions League opener. Against Feyenoord, Flick opted to use Joao Cancelo in that position. The Portuguese international provides a highly experienced alternative and also has the backing of the coach, who reportedly wanted him to remain at the club during the summer.

The Memory of the Best Balde Still Matters at Barcelona

The current situation does not mean that Barcelona has completely ruled the player out of its plans.

The club still remembers that during the German coach’s first season in charge, the left-back produced a level of performance that earned praise and established him as an important member of the squad.

The problem emerged later with his fitness issues, which disrupted his consistency and affected his development. Now he needs to rediscover that version of himself to convince a coach who appears to be prioritizing current performances over reputation or past achievements.

According to Deco’s comments to RAC1, Barcelona still has confidence in the player. The sporting director pointed out that Balde is 22 years old, has a great future ahead of him and performed at an outstanding level during his first season under Flick.

January Could Become the Defining Moment for Balde

The season is still long, and there are many factors that could influence Hansi Flick’s decisions.

However, if the player remains outside the rotation for several weeks and continues to struggle for playing time, the January 2027 transfer window could become a decisive moment to reassess his future.

The dilemma is particularly complicated because Balde chose to stay during the summer precisely to prove that he could turn his situation around.