Barcelona homegrown star could reconsider future in January with Man United still interested | OneFootball

Alejandro Balde’s future at Barcelona is becoming increasingly uncertain once again, with the left-back facing a decision over his next step if his lack of playing time continues into the winter.

The homegrown defender has managed only 12 minutes across Barcelona’s opening eight matches of the season under Hansi Flick. 

According to Mundo Deportivo, that situation could prompt Balde to reconsider his future when the January transfer window opens.

Balde has fallen down the pecking order

Balde’s current position is a sharp change from his role last season, when he was Barcelona’s first-choice left-back. 

Joao Cancelo moved ahead of him during the second half of the previous campaign, while Xavi Espart has now emerged as another option ahead of him under Flick.

Balde could reconsider his future in January. (Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images)

As such, Flick believes Balde’s performances in both matches and training had stagnated and wants the 22-year-old to compete for his position rather than rely on his previous status within the squad.

That competition has so far left Balde as the third-choice option. He has featured only once, playing the final 12 minutes of Barcelona’s 7-2 La Liga victory over Racing.

Manchester United are keeping tabs on Balde

The situation is particularly notable because Balde already had options during the summer. 

The defender, who has this season and another year remaining on his contract, was included among the Barcelona players whose futures were uncertain during pre-season.

Manchester United showed strong interest, but Balde chose not to consider leaving the club at that stage.

Alejandro Balde is currently a third-choice left-back at Barcelona. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

His agent, Jorge Mendes, also offered a brief indication that there was no immediate concern after meeting Barcelona president Joan Laporta following the closure of the transfer window.

Asked about Balde, Mendes said: “Balde will be fine in the future, don’t worry.”

January could change Balde’s thinking

As such, Balde still has admirers elsewhere, but a January move will depend on whether his situation at Barcelona improves, although a mere 12 minutes from eight matches leaves little room for doubt over his current standing.

Balde has resisted the idea of leaving Barcelona despite interest from Manchester United, but another few months on the fringes could force a reassessment. 

Simply put, if Flick’s pecking order remains unchanged, Balde’s future could once again become one of the talking points, with a January exit looking likely.