Alejandro Balde remains a central figure in Hansi Flick’s plans and is Barcelona’s first-choice left-back by some distance.
Despite competition from Gerard Martin, Jofre Torrents, and even Joao Cancelo, it is clear that the German manager prefers Balde for his attacking output and pace – something that hands him a unique profile.
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Yet, there is no denying that he is largely inconsistent and unpredictable, and that his fluctuating quality has led to some frustrations. In that sense, his prominence has seen a slight dip in recent times.
On the radar of two giants
As relayed by SPORT in a recent update, some top European clubs are attentive to Balde’s situation and see potential to lure him away from Catalonia.
Manchester United have already been in his pursuit for a while now, but Inter Milan have now joined the race as the latest entrants. They too value him for his attacking spirit and see him as a top addition to their squad.
Hansi Flick highly rates Balde. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
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Both clubs are weighing the option of putting up offers in the summer, and with the player’s market value currently standing at €60 million, it will have to be quite a big number they put up.
The homegrown defender’s current deal at the club runs until the summer of 2028 with a release clause of €1 billion, and it is clear that Barcelona see him as a key piece for the future.
What remains a remote possibility, however, is that the club prioritise the financial profit they can make from his sale and thereafter prioritise another signing of their own in the department. The likes of Alejandro Grimaldo, after all, interest the club.
Balde is represented by Jorge Mendes who shares a close bond with Joan Laporta who is likely to return to power. All factors considered, the possibility of Balde leaving is remote, yet existent.
