Overview
- Barcelona left Alejandro Balde out of the matchday squad for the La Liga opener on Sunday after coach Hansi Flick said he told the player he was "not here at 100%" and asked him to "clear your mind" before further talks.
- Several outlets report Jorge Mendes travelled to Barcelona this week to meet club officials and Balde, with three offers said to be on the table and Manchester United frequently described as the leading bidder.
- Sources differ on Balde’s preference: Fabrizio Romano says the player would like to stay and compete, while other reports and agent activity indicate he has authorised moves and feels the club is seeking a solution for him.
- Barcelona’s recent signing of Joao Cancelo has pushed Balde down the left-back pecking order, and his contract running to summer 2028 plus a reported valuation of roughly €40–50 million make a quick, cut-price exit harder.
- With fewer than 10 days left in the summer window, clubs and Barcelona are under urgent pressure to resolve Balde’s future, a decision that could force Barca to replace a left-back or reshuffle their defence and shape Balde’s immediate playing prospects.