Alejandro Balde could reconsider his Barcelona future in January if his playing time does not improve, with Manchester United retaining an interest in the left-back, Mundo Deportivo reported Saturday.
The 22-year-old has played only 12 minutes across Barcelona’s opening eight matches, all at the end of the 7–2 league win over Racing Santander. That limited involvement has left him behind Xavi Espart and João Cancelo in Hansi Flick’s selection, according to the report.
Balde resisted leaving during the summer despite United’s interest, Mundo Deportivo reported. The newspaper said January could bring a change in his thinking if his role stays as limited as it has been since the season began.
Agent Jorge Mendes offered reassurance when asked about Balde after a dinner with Barcelona president Joan Laporta following the summer window. Mendes did not announce a move or name a destination, according to Mundo Deportivo’s account.
Flick wants Balde to respond to the competition for places after identifying a lack of progress in his performances and training, Mundo Deportivo reported. Espart has received opportunities on the left, while Cancelo has featured more recently.
The reduced role contrasts with Balde’s workload last season. Barcelona’s official player profile records 42 competitive appearances in 2025–26, including 31 starts, despite two muscle injuries. He had played 47 matches in all competitions the previous season, contributing a goal and eight assists.
Balde’s contract runs until June 30, 2028, under the extension Barcelona announced in September 2023. That agreement set his release clause at €1 billion. Neither the club nor the player has announced a January move, and Mundo Deportivo did not report an agreed fee or a formal transfer request.
A Barcelona academy graduate who joined from Espanyol in 2011, Balde made his senior debut against Bayern Munich in September 2021. He established himself as a first-choice left-back during the 2022–23 season and has since competed for Spain at the World Cup.
Barcelona’s next league match is at home to Getafe on October 10, following the international break. Balde will have the autumn schedule to compete for more minutes before the winter transfer window opens.
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This page is an original Sporting Page summary. The reporting remains with Mundo Deportivo: Balde’s situation.
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