Barcelona defender frustrated with his situation after rejecting offers to stay

According to El Pais (h/t SPORT), Alejandro Balde is unhappy with the situation that has developed around him in recent days.

The FC Barcelona left-back does not understand why the situation has changed so dramatically with little more than a week remaining before the transfer window closes.

According to the report, people close to the player say that he rejected offers during the summer because his intention was to remain at Barcelona.

Not happy with Flick

The source of Balde’s frustration appears to be Hansi Flick’s handling of the situation.

The German coach had already privately indicated that he was not completely satisfied with Balde’s level of commitment, but the issue became public just days before the start of La Liga.

What upset Balde was not necessarily Flick’s decision to consider another option, but the timing. The player feels that, if the club had doubts about his situation, they should have communicated them much earlier.

Balde not happy with how Flick has handled the situation. (Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images)

His frustration reportedly stems from the feeling that he was given little warning despite having rejected opportunities elsewhere because he expected to remain an important part of Flick’s plans.

“And now, with a week left before the market closes, this happens? They could have told him earlier. His intention was to stay,” sources close to the player say.

A situation reaching breaking point

The situation became impossible to ignore on Sunday. Balde was left out of the squad against Elche, and Flick explained that he had spoken to the player that same morning:

“I spoke to Balde this morning and told him that I think he’s not 100% here, that he needs to clear his head and then we’ll talk.”

The comments raised even more questions about the future of a player who, until recently, appeared destined to remain an important option at left-back.

Will Balde stay or leave? (Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images)

For now, the relationship between Flick and Balde is going through a difficult period, although no definitive decision has been made about the defender’s future.

There was, however, a positive development on Monday: Balde returned to normal group training after missing the first game. That could help ease the tension, but it does not resolve the uncertainty surrounding his situation.

Manchester United factor

This is where Manchester United’s interest becomes important. The English giants continue to monitor the Spanish international’s situation and has already made contact to understand the conditions of a possible deal.

Balde has consistently expressed his desire to remain at Barcelona, but reports in England suggest that Manchester United could be preparing an initial offer of around €40 million.

With the transfer window approaching its final days, Barcelona now have to decide how to handle a situation that increasingly appears to be heading toward a potential departure.

Balde’s desire to stay, the player’s frustration with the club’s handling of the situation and United’s interest have created a complicated crossroads for all sides.