{"id":2401,"date":"2026-09-10T17:59:25","date_gmt":"2026-09-10T17:59:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportbulletin.top\/?p=2401"},"modified":"2026-09-10T17:59:25","modified_gmt":"2026-09-10T17:59:25","slug":"five-games-zero-minutes-barcelona-youngster-finds-himself-in-limbo-at-club-after-refusing-summer-exit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportbulletin.top\/?p=2401","title":{"rendered":"Five games, zero minutes \u2013 Barcelona youngster finds himself in limbo at club after refusing summer exit"},"content":{"rendered":"


\n<\/p>\n

\n
\n

Alejandro Balde<\/a> is going through a difficult spell at FC Barcelona<\/a>, following a turbulent few months for him at the club.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

The 22-year-old had the opportunity to leave during the summer but chose to remain at the club. However, he has yet to make an appearance this season.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n
\n

Indeed, five matches into the 2026\/27 campaign, the La Masia<\/em> graduate has not played a single minute, even being left out of the matchday squad for one game (vs Elche).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

As things stand, it is clear that manager Hansi Flick prefers Xavi Espart and Joao Cancelo at left-back, leaving Balde struggling to find a place in the team.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

A dramatic change from last season<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
\n

Balde\u2019s current situation is particularly striking when compared with the beginning of last season. In 2025\/26, he started Barcelona\u2019s first three La Liga<\/a> matches.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Flick left him on the bench for the entire match on only five occasions throughout that campaign when he was fit and available. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Remarkably, Balde has already reached that figure this season, despite September only just beginning. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\"Article<\/picture><\/div>\n
\n

Balde has seen his stature decline drastically. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Leaving out the injured Frenkie de Jong and Roony Bardghji, the 22-year-old left-back is now one of only two fit outfield players yet to make an appearance this season, alongside Brian Farinas.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

For a player who was previously a regular starter, the change has been dramatic.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

A difficult year<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
\n

Barcelona made Balde available for a potential transfer in August following a difficult campaign disrupted by injuries. He missed ten matches because of fitness problems.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Some fitness issues during the summer meant he also missed a portion of the pre-season under Flick.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Given the uncertainty over his future, Manchester United showed interest in signing him towards the end of the transfer window, but an agreement could not be reached.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Balde, for his part, had no desire to leave Barcelona despite Flick making it clear that he was no longer a regular starter. His preference was always to remain at the club and fight for his place.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Flick left him out of the squad for Barcelona\u2019s La Liga opener against Elche because he did not believe Balde was sufficiently focused. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Since then, he has returned to the squad but his role remains uncertain, with both Espart and Cancelo currently ahead of him on the left.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\"Article<\/picture><\/div>\n
\n

Manchester United were interested in Balde in January. (Photo by Daniela Porcelli\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Deco insists Balde still has a future<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
\n

Barcelona sporting director Deco has played down the situation and insists the club still believes in Balde\u2019s potential. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

\u201cNothing has happened; he\u2019s one of our players. He\u2019s 22 years old, has a bright future ahead of him and a contract with the best club in the world. He has to fight for his place,\u201d<\/strong> he said<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Deco also pointed to Balde\u2019s previous performances as evidence that the defender can still regain an important role at Barcelona. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

\u201cHe\u2019s had injuries, but two years ago he was spectacular. If Balde is fit, it\u2019s hard to imagine him not playing for Bar\u00e7a.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

\u201cThere\u2019s been a lot of talk, but he\u2019s never given any indication that he wants to leave. Whether he plays or not isn\u2019t a decision for the sporting management.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

The message from Deco is therefore clear: Barcelona have not given up on the academy product, but he must earn his opportunity again.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Having chosen to stay at Barcelona when an exit was possible the homegrown star\u2019s challenge is to convince Flick that he deserves another opportunity. If the situation does not change, a January exit could become a possibility<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\"\"View publisher imprint<\/a>