Barcelona Heavyweight Set For Imminent Exit After Squad List Snub
FC Barcelona star Alejandro Balde appears set for an imminent departure after being excluded from the squad traveling to Elche. Initial reports from Jijantes suggested Balde decided to leave his boyhood club following a meeting between his agent and the Sporting Director, and comments from coach Hansi Flick questioning player commitment. While Mundo Deportivo later reported Balde was motivated to fight for his place, his omission from the squad now strongly indicates an exit. Premier League clubs, particularly Manchester United, are potential suitors for the Made in La Masia talent, who could provide much-needed defensive reinforcement. This move could see Jordi Pesquer start, with new signing Cancelo also in the squad.
An FC Barcelona first team star is set for an imminent exit from the club after being left off Sunday's squad list for the trip to Elche.
Shockwaves were sent through the Culer world on Saturday afternoon, after Jijantes reported that Alejandro Balde had decided to leave his boyhood club.
This alleged decision came after his agent Jorge Mendes met with Sporting Director on Thursday, and head coach Hansi Flick made comments at a prematch press conference which seemed to question the left back’s commitment.
"It’s a difficult question because he has enormous quality and it’s important to know if a player is convinced to be able to compete in his position. That’s what I want to see from all my players," said the German, when asked about the 22-year-old.
"Every day I see what the players do - the level - and if they show me that they have the level to play. In the end, we have to play as a team, only then will we have success. I need everyone to be one hundred percent," Flick added.
Later on Saturday evening, however, Mundo Deportivo reported that Balde had taken Flick’s words as motivation, and was willing to stay at the club and fight for his place.
Should Barca not want him, however, he’d be willing to move on. And with Balde now cut from the trip to Elche, he seems to be as good as gone.
As a Made in La Masia talent and former Spain international with plenty of time to work his way back into Luis de la Fuente’s squad, Balde has always had a market in the Premier League.
At the moment, Manchester United seems the best placed to buy Balde, and they could certainly do with defensive reinforcements after losing 2-0 to newly promoted Hull City in their league opener on Saturday.
With Balde cut, it looks as though Jordi Pesquer might start at Elche, as was reported earlier this week. New Barcelona permanent signing Joao Cancelo has made the cut too, but he might not be fit enough to start yet following his move from Al-Hilal this week.