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Alejandro Balde has reportedly made up his mind that he "wants to leave" Barcelona, with the summer transfer window nearing its end. The left back seemingly feels pushed to the margins of the squad.
Balde has yet to feature in a single minute since the 2026–27 campaign got underway, having been left out of Hansi Flick's matchday squad entirely for the season's opening fixture against Elche. He then sat as an unused substitute during subsequent victories over Athletic Club and Rayo Vallecano as August came to a close.
MARCA reports that Balde has concluded he has no future at Barça, believing that João Cancelo and Xavi Espart are both ranked above him in Flick's pecking order, limiting his playing time. The fact that neither alternative is a natural left back speaks volumes.
Last month, Flick appeared to publicly cast doubt on Balde's mentality and dedication to the game.
"It is a tough call, and Balde is a player with tremendous ability, but what I mentioned before matters: do you have the determination to fight for your spot?" Flick told the press in late August, ahead of the Elche fixture.
"I observe what players do here on a daily basis, how they conduct themselves and whether they demonstrate what it takes to perform at the highest level. That's what matters most. I need everyone to give us everything they've got."
Flick added following that match, from which Balde was omitted entirely: "I sensed something wasn't right." The coach also hinted at the player needing to "clear his head."
Man Utd Only Interested in Balde on Loan
Balde has made 168 appearances for Barcelona since breaking into the side in the early weeks of the 2021–22 season. For four consecutive seasons up until this summer, the 22-year-old La Masia graduate served as the club's first-choice left back. However, it is entirely possible that at this very late stage of the window, he could find himself stuck as the new third option. His avenues for departure are far from plentiful.
The same MARCA report notes that agent Jorge Mendes has spent the past week attempting to find Balde a new club with little to show for it—"no buyer has emerged."
Manchester United, who are in clear need of a left back ahead of England's deadline on Tuesday (11 p.m. BST, 6 p.m. ET), had been connected with Balde. However, with his valuation set at $46.4 million (€40 million, £34.3 million) and United seemingly preferring a loan arrangement, a deal does not appear workable.
Balde's Options to Leave Barcelona Further Narrow After Sept. 1
Spain's transfer deadline aligns with England's, while it falls slightly earlier in Italy and France. In Germany, the window for incoming transfers has already shut.
Should Balde fail to secure a move before Tuesday's deadline—which appears the more likely outcome—he would either have to accept a fringe role at Barcelona for the season or explore opportunities outside Europe's top five leagues.
Clubs in the Eredivisie, home to the likes of Ajax, Feyenoord and PSV Eindhoven, have until Wednesday to complete signings. In Portugal, clubs such as Porto, Benfica and Sporting CP have a further two weeks to bolster their squads. Teams in Türkiye's Süper Lig have until Friday, September 4 to register new players, while the Saudi Pro League window remains open all the way until October 12.