Barcelona at crossroads over 22-year-old defender’s long-term future | OneFootball

The futures of some players are starting to generate doubts as FC Barcelona get nearer to the end of the 2025-26 season. This is particularly true for the likes of Robert Lewandowski and Andreas Christensen, who are well-advanced in age and have only a few years left to play at the highest level.

Meanwhile, another surprise player whose future at the Catalan club could be in doubt is the fullback Alejandro Balde, who is currently out due to injury, and who has also seen his playing time decrease since the arrival of Joao Cancelo.

According to SPORT, Barcelona are aware that significant offers could arrive for Balde in the upcoming transfer window. The Catalan side is planning an ambitious summer rebuild and needs major financial resources, meaning player sales could become essential.

In this context, even a homegrown talent like Balde is not entirely untouchable if an extraordinary bid is presented. Balde has no shortage of suitors, with Liverpool and Manchester United closely monitoring his situation, and clubs from Saudi Arabia also keeping an eye on developments.

This is not the first time Balde has attracted serious attention. Before renewing his contract, his agent Jorge Mendes presented multiple offers that could have helped ease Barcelona’s financial constraints. However, both the club and the player rejected those opportunities, with Balde committing his future by signing a deal until 2028 that includes a €1 billion release clause.

Now, a new scenario is taking shape. If Balde stays, Barcelona will soon need to open talks over a fresh contract extension, as his current deal is not considered sufficiently long-term by the club’s standards.

This adds another layer to the dilemma, as the upcoming window could represent the ideal moment to cash in on a high-value asset, especially in a market where elite left-backs are scarce and command premium fees.

Despite the speculation, Balde remains highly valued internally. The 22-year-old defender is still considered the first choice left-back when fully fit, with Gerard Martin and Cancelo providing depth. Hansi Flick is keen to have him available for crucial Champions League fixtures and is expected to reintegrate him carefully after his return from injury.

Barcelona are not actively pushing for his departure and will not force a sale. However, they are open to listening to offers that make financial sense. Ultimately, the final decision will rest with Balde, who has so far shown no desire to leave and remains committed to continuing his career at the club.