Barcelona defender has full backing of Xavi Hernandez and staff despite sale talk | OneFootball

Barcelona defender Alejandro Balde has done little wrong in his fledgling career in Catalonia,  but since last September, has been mentioned as a potential money-making exit. Going into next season though, he has the assurance of Xavi Hernandez and his staff that he will be key.

The 20-year-old was forced to undergo surgery early in 2024, but had lost his place to Joao Cancelo before that at left-back, as he struggled to repeat a brilliant first campaign in the first team. Nevertheless, Sport say that with Xavi keen to have multiple options in every position, Balde is set for a key role next season, and has the full faith his manager.

Recovering from a hamstring problem that required surgery, Balde is aiming to be fully fit for next season, and returned to the training pitch on Tuesday this week. Part of the reason for his drop off at the beginning of last year was a change in system, and it is not yet clear who will play ahead of him on the left next season. If Xavi does want multiple options there, Balde is currently the only player in the position set to be there next year.

Little is said about the position of the club’s position on Balde. The feeling that has prevailed from Can Barca is that if agent Jorge Mendes were to bring in a major offer for Balde, then Barcelona would be open to a deal. However following his injury and decline in performance, interest in him might not be as strong as it would’ve been last summer.