Barcelona not planning to sell 22-year-old homegrown star amid Premier League interest | OneFootball

FC Barcelona are looking ahead at a massively important summer transfer window, wherein the club intends to strengthen the squad in at least three positions.

Indeed, a new striker, a left-footed centre-back, and a left-winger are on the agenda for the sporting department led by director Deco.

However, for the Blaugrana to spend freely in the market and accommodate their new arrivals in the squad, sales will be needed to raise revenue and free up salary space.

The name of Alejandro Balde, to that end, has been doing the rounds as a possible candidate for sale this summer.

The 22-year-old left-back has lost his place in the team to Joao Cancelo, whom Barcelona intend to sign permanently. He is attracting interest from the Premier League, with Aston Villa said to be mulling over a €50 million offer.

Barcelona not considering Balde sale

However, according to Sique Rodriguez on Cadena SER, Barcelona have no intention of selling Balde in the summer at this point.

Furthermore, the journalist claims that the reports of Aston Villa being ready to offer €50 million for the La Masia graduate are also not true.

Not for sale. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

It is true that the left-back has lost his spot in the Barça starting lineup to Cancelo and given the situation, the coaching staff has told the player that it is up to him to step up and earn it back.

The message from the staff has been clear – it is for Balde to decide whether he wants to be an elite full-back or if he is happy being a good full-back without being counted among the best in the world in his position.

Those at the club firmly believe that he has the qualities to reach the top, but want to see more ambition and effort from him in training sessions and matches.

Balde’s current contract with Barcelona runs until the summer of 2028, and unless a very significant offer arrives for him, it seems that the Catalans are not considering his departure.