Report: Alejandro Balde Accepts the Possibility of Leaving Barcelona for Regular Playing Time

A report says Alejandro Balde is beginning to accept the possibility of leaving Barcelona if it would give him more chances to start. According to the report, the player has not given up hope of staying at the club, but is considering a move in the winter transfer window if his situation does not change.

Balde had hoped to take advantage of injuries in defence to strengthen his position. He played some minutes against Paris Saint-Germain, in El Clásico and against Alavés, but did not start any of those matches. The report said that before the match against Alavés, Hansi Flick made clear that Balde currently lacked sufficient confidence in his performances, after Cancelo and Espart had competed with him for the position.

The report added that the coaching staff believe Balde loses concentration and struggles to read the timing of the press. Flick had spoken about him in more positive terms in earlier comments, pointing to his good training and professionalism, while the player was unhappy to learn about his situation through press conferences rather than receiving a direct explanation from the coach.

According to the report, Balde was surprised by the signing of João Cancelo, but Cancelo later became a source of support for him in the dressing room, offering advice and encouragement. Last summer, Manchester United and Manchester City enquired about the possibility of signing him, while Bayern Munich also showed interest before signing Nathaniel Brown.

The report noted that Manchester United is emerging as a possible destination and that the player is inclined to try playing in England. Balde may listen to offers if his situation does not change, and would welcome a loan solution similar to the one the report mentioned in connection with Ronald Araújo and Liverpool. However, according to the source, Barcelona does not favour loans and needs funds to strengthen its defence in January, so the departure could be on a permanent transfer, with Premier League clubs able to handle a deal of this kind.