In recent days, Alejandro Balde's future has taken an unexpected turn at FC Barcelona. The young left-back, who had been one of the great assets of last season, now seems to be in the eye of the storm. Below, we break down the latest developments surrounding his situation and how this could change the course of the Catalan club.
The Interest in José Luis Gayà
Captain of Valencia CF José Luis Gayà has been one of the most repeated names in FC Barcelona's transfer rumors in recent seasons. The left-back has been on the radar of the blaugranas due to his high level of performance in La Liga. However, previous negotiations never came to fruition for various reasons, such as the injuries that have hampered Gayà's performance in recent years.
Despite these obstacles, the interest in Gayà hasn't disappeared. According to various sources, Barcelona is still considering the defender as a possible option to strengthen the left-back position. Any move is expected to take place in the summer market, as it's not a priority for this transfer period.
A Change of Course for Balde?
What has caused the most buzz in recent weeks is the possible replacement of Alejandro Balde by Gayà. The youth player had secured his spot as a starter, but some reports suggest the club doubts his development. Despite his talent, Balde has had ups and downs in his performance, which has raised doubts about his future in the first team.
Since Hansi Flick's arrival on Barcelona's bench, Balde had shown flashes of quality, but he's also been overwhelmed on certain occasions. Internal competition with other defenders, like Koundé or Gerard Martín, could have influenced this uncertainty about his role in the team.
Barcelona's Economic Situation
One of the biggest problems FC Barcelona faces in signing José Luis Gayà is its economic situation. The club is still dealing with considerable debt, which limits its moves in the transfer market. Although Gayà is an attractive option, his transfer fee of 15 million euros is a figure Barcelona can't afford.
This economic factor also plays a crucial role in Balde's possible departure. If the club bets on Gayà, it would have to find a financial solution, which could involve selling players or adjusting budgets.