Barcelona willing to part ways with key player in surprise €55m deal:Reports

According to Fichajes.net, Barcelona are willing to part ways with left-back Alejandro Balde for a transfer fee in the region of €55 million. Balde is one of La Blaugrana's homegrown talents from the La Masia Academy.

He rose to fame in July 2022 when he was promoted to the senior team. In 101 appearances since joining the first-team squad, he has scored two goals and registered 11 assists.

However, there have been concerns regarding his defensive performance this season. In 22 appearances this season, the Spaniard has registered four assists. In 17 LaLiga games, Balde has made only five interceptions and registered 12 tackles. He has also managed to win 73 out of 126 ground duels (via FootyStats).

Thus, La Blaugrana have started considering the possibility of selling the Spaniard, provided the targeted valuation is met. Barcelona's interest in signing Alphonso Davies, who could join them as a free agent this summer, is also an indication that Balde might be sold.

This is based on the idea that Balde might be moved down the pecking order at left-back which could reduce his market value. Thus, La Blaugrana are looking to take the difficult but profitable option of selling Balde.

"My view has not changed" - Barcelona's manager Hansi Flick on the team's recent form

UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League phase 6Borussia Dortmund - FC Barcelona - Source: Getty

La Blaugrana's manager Hansi Flick has said he loves working at Barca. This comes after his team has been inconsistent in recent weeks, winning just two out of their last five games across competitions.

During a press conference before the 4-0 Copa Del Rey win over Barbastro (January 4), Flick shared his thoughts about Barcelona and his squad, saying (via journalist Fabrizio Romano's X handle):

"My view has not changed. I am in love with this club and this city."

He added:

"The mentality in the squad is very good. There is a very good atmosphere. We love working here."

Despite recent setbacks, Flick has transformed Barca's performance. In the 2024-25 LaLiga standings, La Blaugrana are third, having accumulated 38 points from 19 games. In the UEFA Champions League, Flick's men are second, having registered 15 points from six games.

Barcelona's resilience will be tested when they take on Athletic Bilbao in the Spanish Super Cup semi-final on Wednesday (January 8).