How Real Madrid’s pursuit of €55m-rated left-back is directly tied to Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde | OneFootball

Real Madrid’s search for a new left-back has taken an unexpected turn, with a report from Real Madrid Confidencial suggesting that Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde could be key to their pursuit of Nuno Mendes.

While the left-back position at the Santiago Bernabeu has long been considered secure with Ferland Mendy and Fran Garcia, the club is looking to bolster this area and believes there is still room for improvement.

The list of potential candidates includes several promising names, such as Girona’s Miguel Gutierrez, but none would match the quality of PSG’s Mendes.

The Portuguese defender has been described as one of the favorites of Real Madrid’s sporting management, yet his current status as a key player for Luis Enrique’s side makes him a difficult target.

Interestingly, PSG are unwilling to entertain offers for Mendes, as he remains a regular starter at the Parc des Princes.

There is a definitive catch

Only Alejandro Balde’s move could free Nuno Mendes from PSG. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

However, despite Mendes’ importance at PSG, the Parisian club is reportedly keen on adding further depth to their left-back options. This has led them to set their sights on none other than Alejandro Balde.

While the player’s future at Barcelona seems secure, the financial struggles facing the club could make an offer too tempting to turn down.

Barcelona’s executives have made it clear that they have no intention of parting ways with one of their key assets. However, given the club’s ongoing financial issues, even the most integral players are not entirely untouchable, especially if a substantial offer is made.

So, if PSG manage to snatch Balde, it could pave the way for Mendes to move to Real Madrid.

For now, though, there is this inherent reluctance of PSG to negotiate with Real Madrid, and to top it off, the situation is complicated by Mendes’ recent contract extension until the summer of 2029 which puts this entire story at rest.

*Player valuation in title obtained from transfermarkt.com on the date of publication.