Goal: Completely Removed from Flick's Plans, Barcelona Defender Balde Faces a Career Grey Area

Barcelona's 22-year-old homegrown full-back Alejandro Balde is experiencing one of the most difficult downturns of his career. So far this new season, he has made zero appearances and has not entered the effective matchday rotation, becoming completely marginalized by head coach Hansi Flick, disappearing from the team's tactical plans and falling into a difficult situation.

Balde was troubled by injuries last season, missing a total of 10 matches due to injury, with inconsistent form. As a result, Barcelona placed him on the transfer list this summer in search of a sale. Near the end of the summer window, Manchester United approached Barcelona with interest in signing the young full-back, but the two clubs failed to reach an agreement on the transfer fee and the deal ultimately collapsed. Notably, Balde himself had no intention of leaving. His contract with Barcelona runs until 2028 and includes a €1 billion release clause, as he was determined to remain at Camp Nou and compete for his position.

However, staying has resulted in him losing favor completely. In Barcelona's La Liga season opener against Elche, Flick left Balde out of the squad directly due to a lack of focus. In the current competition for the left-back position, Gerard Martin and Cancelo are firmly ahead, leaving Balde far down the pecking order and turning him into a fringe player.

The statistics further highlight his difficult situation: among all non-injured outfield players in Barcelona's first team this season, only Balde and Fariñas have made zero appearances. The team's two backup goalkeepers, Livakovic and Szczesny, have also not played, while De Jong and Baldegy remain sidelined due to long-term injuries.

The contrast with last season is clear: at the start of the 2025-26 season, Balde was a regular starter for the team, starting all of the first three La Liga matches and playing a total of 222 minutes. Across the entire season, he was an unused substitute only five times. Yet just over ten days into the current season, his situation has fallen sharply.

Barcelona sporting director Deco publicly discussed Balde's current situation in an interview with RAC1, offering a measured and direct assessment: "There has been no change, he is still our player. He is only 22 years old, has a bright future ahead, and has a contract with the best club in the world. What he needs to do is compete proactively and prove himself."

Deco added: "Balde produced top-level performances over the past two years, but his form declined last season due to injury problems. As long as he adjusts his physical condition and mentality and returns to his best level, he absolutely deserves to establish himself at Barcelona and earn playing opportunities."