Barcelona defender faces a new, harsh reality at club as Flick sends clear message

FC Barcelona defender Alejandro Balde is facing a new reality at the club after a difficult start to the new season, as highlighted by SPORT.

Hansi Flick sent another message to Balde during the match against Athletic Club.

After speaking about the defender in his press conference and demanding that he give 100%, the German coach reinforced that message through his decisions from the bench.

Balde returned to the squad after deciding that he wanted to fight to remain at Barcelona, but his disappointment was obvious after he failed to play a single minute and effectively became the team’s third-choice left-back.

Xavi Espart started the match and, when Flick changed the left flank, he opted for Joao Cancelo. Meanwhile, Jordi Pesquer was away with Spain’s Under-18 squad.

Balde had been warming up, but returned to the bench unable to hide his frustration at not getting onto the pitch.

Balde finds himself in a tough position. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

He knows his situation is difficult, not only because Flick has told him so, but because the coach’s decisions are now reflecting that message.

A difficult decision

The La Masia graduate therefore finds himself at a crossroads. So far, Balde has chosen to fight for his place at Barça. Flick would be delighted to see a better version of the academy product, whose potential remains enormous at just 22.

But Balde has gone from being a regular starter to a substitute whose position has been further weakened by Xavi Espart’s emergence, the youngster now having a first-team squad number and playing as a left-back, as well as by Cancelo’s arrival.

Balde can accept the challenge and fight for his place, or reconsider his position and explore the offers available on the market.

With September 1 approaching, finding an attractive destination will not be easy, although Manchester United could open the door for him. There has also been recent speculation about interest from AC Milan.

Balde is behind Cancelo and Espart. (Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images)

Balde is valued at around €40 million, as Barcelona consider that any sale would need to generate a significant fee. The Catalans have not frozen him out and has kept him involved with the first team, unlike Hector Fort and Marc Casado.

Nevertheless, at least initially, his role under Flick looks set to be a secondary one.

The January option

Another possibility would be to wait until the January transfer window. If his role remains heavily restricted, Balde could then consider leaving midway through the season.

The defender is under contract until 2028 and has a €1 billion release clause. He is still a valuable asset, and Barcelona would only let him go if the transfer generated substantial income.

A loan could theoretically be another option, similar to the arrangement used for Ronald Araujo and Liverpool, although that scenario isn’t currently being considered.

For now, the decision rests largely with Balde: stay and fight for his place at Barcelona, or explore alternatives that could give him the prominent role he wants elsewhere.