GOAL reported on Sunday, citing Mundo Deportivo, that Alejandro Balde is increasingly accepting he may need to leave Barcelona if he wants to play as a starter. The report said recent events have pushed him to think about leaving in the winter transfer window.
Playing time and current situation
Mundo Deportivo said Balde has not given up hope of staying at Barcelona, but is increasingly accepting that if he wants more playing time, he will have to go. The outlet said Balde played minutes against Paris Saint-Germain, in the Clasico, and on Saturday against Alaves, but never started any of those matches.
Flick's comments
GOAL reported that Flick said: "Balde does not have enough confidence in his performance at the moment, nor the necessary conviction. And defenders are very important."
GOAL reported that Flick said on 15 September: "I am happy with him and with everyone. We have three players for every position. Managing all of this is the hardest part."
GOAL reported that Flick said on 16 October: "The situation is not easy for him, but he is training very well, and that is the first thing he must do. In this position, we have Gerard Martin and Cancelo. The situation is certainly not ideal for Balde, but he is working professionally, and that is what I want. In such a situation, you have to show that you are ready, and he is doing that."
Possible destinations
Mundo Deportivo said Balde feels frustrated. The outlet said Manchester United and Manchester City enquired about signing Balde this summer, while Bayern Munich also showed interest but signed Nathaniel Brown instead.
Mundo Deportivo said Manchester United have emerged as a possible destination for Balde and that he is drawn to the idea of trying his luck in England. Mundo Deportivo also said Barcelona do not favour loans easily and need to inject money to strengthen the defensive line in January. Mundo Deportivo said that if Balde leaves, it could be via a permanent transfer.
