Balde stands firm after just 12 minutes for Barcelona as club eyes January sale

Alejandro Balde's situation at Barcelona has become increasingly difficult in the first weeks of the campaign. The left-back has featured for only 12 minutes across the team's opening eight official matches and remains firm in his decision to stay despite the limited role handed to him by Hansi Flick. Barcelona, for its part, still hopes the academy product will reconsider and accept a move during the January transfer window.

• Balde has played just 12 minutes this season, all in the LaLiga match against Racing.
• The left-back insists he can earn more playing time and does not plan to leave Barcelona.
• The club values his transfer at around 60 million euros and needs to reduce the wage bill.
• Manchester United, Manchester City, Benfica and Aston Villa showed interest in the summer.
• Flick believes Xavi Espart and Joao Cancelo are currently in better competitive form on the left flank.

Balde's 12 minutes for Barcelona across eight matches

Balde's involvement in the early weeks of the season has been minimal. He has appeared in only one match, the LaLiga fixture against Racing at the Spotify Camp Nou, and spent just 12 minutes on the pitch. He was left out of the other seven games, including six domestic league matches and the Champions League clash with Feyenoord. In the league opener against Elche he was not even included in the squad.

Why Hansi Flick is not relying on Alejandro Balde

The German coach expects more from the 22-year-old defender. Flick believes Balde can offer a higher level of performance and considers Xavi Espart and Joao Cancelo to be in better sporting and competitive shape right now for the left-back role. That competition, combined with the feeling that Balde has yet to find his best form, has reduced his playing time to almost nothing.

Balde's stance: staying at Barcelona and fighting for minutes

Despite the lack of opportunities, the academy graduate has not changed his position. Balde, who has made 169 official appearances for Barcelona and is under contract until June 2028, believes the season is long, that there will be plenty of matches and that his chances will come. He does not want to think about a transfer now or consider the January market, an approach the club expects him to maintain over the coming months.

Barcelona and Balde's sale: 60 million euros and Premier League interest

Barcelona's sporting management would not rule out a sale of the full-back. The position is well covered by Espart and Cancelo, and the player has a high market value that would help the club's finances. Barcelona values him at around 60 million euros and already viewed his transfer as an attractive operation during the last summer window.

The player's refusal to accept the offers on the table prevented a move at that time. Clubs such as Manchester United, Manchester City, Benfica and Aston Villa were among those interested in his situation. When January arrives, Barcelona will test his potential exit again, aware that a sale may be needed if the club wants to strengthen the squad.

What selling Balde in January would mean for Barcelona

Losing Balde would not be a traumatic departure for the Catalan club. Even without signing a replacement, his exit would free up salary mass in a squad that needs adjustments. Barcelona would welcome the operation both for the financial income and for the flexibility it would create in squad planning during the winter market.

Frequently asked questions about Balde's situation at Barcelona