Barcelona Sets Permanent Sale Terms for Alejandro Balde in January

Barcelona could sell Alejandro Balde during the January 2027 transfer window after the Spanish left-back fell out of Hansi Flick's first-team plans, with Manchester United among the clubs monitoring his situation. Reports published through October 20 indicate that Barcelona prefers a permanent transfer, while the player's limited opportunities have increased uncertainty about his future.

The 22-year-old has received only 12 minutes of playing time in Barcelona's league campaign, according to reports from FootballTransfers and Goal. Academy graduate Xavi Espart and summer signing Joao Cancelo have moved ahead of him in the competition for the left-back position.

Barcelona reportedly valued Balde at approximately €40 million during the summer transfer window. Manchester United explored the possibility of signing him but did not reach an agreement because of the financial requirements, including his salary and the Spanish club's preference for an outright sale rather than an initial loan arrangement.

Flick addressed Balde's situation before Barcelona's match against Real Betis, acknowledging the defender's professionalism while explaining the strength of his current alternatives.

"I know it's not easy for him, but he's training well," Flick said. "In this position, with Espart and Cancelo, we have two players at an incredible level. That's all I can say."

The Barcelona manager indicated that the existing competition for places had not given him a reason to change his selection. Espart, 19, has started six of Barcelona's first eight LaLiga matches this season, according to FootballTransfers.

"I'm happy with this situation. Obviously, it's not easy for him. But he's being very professional, and that's what I want.

In these situations, he has to show that he's ready when needed. And he's doing that," Flick said.

Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano said Barcelona had been open to selling Balde during the previous transfer window, although the player preferred to remain at the club. The defender's agent, Jorge Mendes, continues to explore potential opportunities, according to Romano's reporting.

"Hansi Flick confirmed that the Balde situation is not easy. Flick said we have Cancelo who is doing amazing in that position. We have Xavi Espart who is doing amazing," Romano said.

Romano also highlighted Espart's contract situation and Barcelona's options at left-back as factors affecting the defender's prospects.

"Espart also signed a new deal, so obviously Barcelona are well covered in that position," Romano said.

Barcelona's position during the summer reportedly centered on finding an acceptable permanent transfer rather than allowing Balde to leave temporarily. The club's valuation and the player's wages complicated discussions with interested teams.

"But then he said I'm happy Balde is working hard. He should not give up. He should be available for when we need him," Romano said.

Romano said Balde had not pushed for a departure during the summer, when Barcelona was willing to consider offers.

"Obviously guys, Balde was already a potential player for sale in the summer. It was not Balde who wanted to leave Barcelona in the summer," Romano said.

The journalist distinguished the player's preference to stay from the club's willingness to negotiate a transfer.

"Balde wanted to stay and continue. It was Barcelona as a club open to selling Balde. Then there was no right solution," Romano said.

Manchester United remains a potential destination because the club is assessing defensive reinforcements. Reports from Football365 said the English side had previously made inquiries about Balde and could revisit the option if suitable terms become available.

"Man United called but there was no right solution. Let's see what happens in January because Man United were interested but the conditions of the deal were very difficult," Romano said.

United's need for a specialist left-back has been highlighted by injuries and selection difficulties involving Luke Shaw. Football365 reported that the club had used center-back Ayden Heaven in the position during Shaw's absence against Atletico Madrid.

"Barcelona were only considering a permanent exit and for big money and also the salary was a topic. United still need a left back," Romano said.

Liverpool has also been linked with Balde, according to Gazeta Express, although the report suggested Manchester United could have a stronger need for a player in that position. Neither club was reported to have completed an agreement.

Romano said the player's representation and the interest from other clubs could influence the next stage of negotiations.

"More clubs are tracking Balde. His agent is Jorge Mendes who is in connection with several clubs on a weekly basis about opportunities," Romano said.

Balde's limited appearances contrast with his earlier contributions at Barcelona. Goal reported that he created seven goals during the 2022-2023 season under Xavi and provided 10 assists in the 2024-2025 campaign under Flick.

"And so the Balde situation is for sure one to watch again. If he's not going to play, this could be a situation to watch in the next months," Romano said.

The transfer journalist cautioned that the timing would depend on the opportunities available, leaving both the January window and the following summer as possibilities.

"I would say in 2027 because it could be January, could be summer based on opportunities. This is not a cheap player. This is not an easy deal to do," Romano said.

Balde remains under contract with Barcelona until 2028. His future will depend on the club's transfer demands, the player's circumstances and whether an interested team can meet the financial conditions.

"Balde is young, he's talented. So obviously it's not an easy situation to clarify," Romano said.