AS: Balde Out of Favor with Flick, Could Leave in Winter Window

According to AS, Balde has been sidelined by Flick and may leave in the winter transfer window.

Alejandro Balde finds himself at a crossroads. After being left out entirely against Getafe, his situation is difficult to interpret any other way. In fact, if there was any chance to resolve his predicament, that match should have been the perfect opportunity. Flick fielded almost all players who did not depart for international duty: Joan Garcia, Eric (who had not played since returning from Wembley), Gerard Martín, Gavi, and Jesús all started.

Although Espart had represented Spain U21 during the break, the young player also started. But Balde did not play a single minute. Throughout the summer, he remained undecided about staying or leaving. Flick had made clear that his status within the team had changed and that he might not receive regular playing time. Barcelona even excluded him from the squad against Elche in hopes he would reconsider. Ultimately, he chose to stay, perhaps hoping circumstances would improve.

They have not. Balde managed only 12 minutes in a match already decided (against Deportivo La Coruña), and at left-back, he ranks behind both Espart and Cancelo in the pecking order. The winter transfer window approaches, and Balde, who failed to resolve his situation with Mendes over the summer, must now make a decision.

For Barcelona, despite his standout performances under Xavi in the 2022-23 season (7 assists) and his contributions under Flick this season (10 assists), his future appears bleak—at least under the German coach. This season, his assist tally has dropped significantly from his previous campaign.

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