Alejandro Balde could be set to leave FC Barcelona in 2024.
FC Barcelona could be set to lose their star left back Alejandro Balde to the Premier
The 19-year-old jewel from La Masia has been one of this season’s breakout stars after making his debut in September 2021 under Ronald Koeman.
In 2022/2023, on Xavi Hernandez’s watch, Balde has enjoyed more prominence as a starter looking capable of phasing out club legend Jordi Alba from the first XI.
Due to Alba’s suspension picked up in the 1-1 derby against Espanyol on New Year’s Eve, Balde got the nod in a back four line including Andreas Christensen, Ronald Araujo and Jules Kounde which was immense away at Atletico Madrid on Sunday.
Balde played a pivotal role in Ter Stegen keeping a 12th clean sheet of the season, and Barca therefore extending their lead to three points at the summit over Real Madrid with a 1-0 win sealed through Ousmane Dembele’s 22nd-minute winner.
With Alba turning 34 in March and his contract set to expire in 2024, Balde should be Barca’s bet for the future.
Worryingly, however, he will also become a free agent at the same time that Alba probably heads Inter Miami in the United States.
El Nacional notes that clubs such as Newcastle and Arsenal in the Premier League have registered interest in Balde, who may be sold by Barca in the next transfer window ahead of the 2023/2024 season if he does not sign a contract extension soon.
Balde wants to stay and succeed at Camp Nou it is said, but he will entertain leaving the club whose books he has been on since the age of eight if not guaranteed an important role in the team by Xavi and his staff.
Furthermore, the likes of Newcastle and Arsenal can offer him a deal that pays him well above what Barca can given their financial predicament.
At present, it is believed that Balde currently takes home around €210,000 ($225mn) per year. His current arrangement comes with a €500mn ($537mn) release clause likely to be doubled on renewal as seen with extensions for fellow prospects including Pedri, Gavi and Ansu Fati.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/tomsanderson/2023/01/11/fc-barcelona-starlet-balde-set-for-2024-premier-league-exit/