Alejandro Balde in line for new Barcelona contract | OneFootball

Barcelona prodigy Alejandro Balde is in line for a new contract with the Catalan giants, according to SPORT.

The 19-year-old has taken La Liga by storm with his exceptional performances for Xavi Hernandez’s side this season, bagging four assists in 25 appearances across all competitions.

He has forced his way into the starting line-up, displacing club stalwart Jordi Alba as the team’s first-choice left-back, and the Blaugranas are keen to reward him with a new bumper contract.

Balde’s current deal keeps him at Spotify Camp Nou until 2024, putting Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain, who have been tracking his development, on alert.

However, the player and the club want to continue together, and the Spanish giants are preparing a new deal to keep him until 2027.

Balde has been a standout performer since making his first-team debut after coming on as a 74th-minute substitute for Alba in the 3–0 loss to Bayern Munich in the Champions League group stage in September 2021.

His skill and balance on the ball help him skip past opponents with relative ease, and his explosive speed compliments his ball-carrying abilities making him a dangerous outlet in attack.

His impressive performances for Barca earned the young sensation his debut for the Spanish national team in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Having represented Spain across all youth levels, the outstanding full-back has made four appearances for La Roja.

Balde, who has been with Barcelona since the age of eight, progressing through the youth system, is seen as the long-term successor to Alba, whose future at the club beyond next summer remains in the air.

He wants a deal that reflects his importance to the first team and his new contract terms to match those handed to fellow academy graduates Gavi and Ronald Araujo.

The player and club will reach an agreement soon, but it will only be made official at the end of the season when Barca can register him.

For now, the Blaugranas have been handicapped by La Liga, who have refused to allow the club to increase their wage budget.