PSG eyeing 21-year-old Barcelona full-back as potential Nuno Mendes replacement | OneFootball

FC Barcelona have a squad that is blessed with so many young players who have a huge future in the game. The Spanish club has depended extensively on La Masia and the academy has come up with a golden generation.

One of the early risers during this wave of talent coming through La Masia was Alejandro Balde. The young Spaniard stepped up and quickly displaced club legend Jordi Alba from the starting role and has continued to impress with his performances.

There has been some criticism of Balde in recent times that he has not been effective in providing the correct kind of balls into the box but one would have to admit that the 21-year-old has shown signs of improvement in recent weeks.

Now, as per SPORT, French giants Paris Saint-Germain have set their sights on Alejandro Balde. This interest comes amid growing uncertainty surrounding the future of Nuno Mendes, who could be on his way out of the Parc des Princes at the end of the season.

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The Portuguese international has yet to agree on a contract renewal, with his current deal set to expire at the end of the season. Adding to the intrigue, Manchester United are reportedly keeping tabs on Mendes, which could complicate PSG’s efforts to retain him and even pave the way for a free departure. PSG’s interest in Balde highlights their proactive approach to identifying a long-term successor should Mendes decide to move on.

Nuno is an exceptional player and very similar to Balde in terms of playstyle. Both are pacy and very good at going forward but also using their recovery pace to help out defensively and it is understandable that PSG are eyeing Balde as a potential Nuno Mendes replacement.

However, Alejandro Balde is a sure-shot starter at Barcelona and Hansi Flick has placed immense trust in the Spanish youngster. There is absolutely no need for the 21-year-old Barcelona full-back to leave the club or for them to consider a sale for him.

Balde suffered quite a serious injury last season that kept him out for almost the entire second half of the season but it must be said that he has returned from it stronger than ever and has shown great physical shape so far.

It remains to be seen what the future holds for Balde and if anything comes from that PSG transfer interest. It feels largely unlikely that it would happen. Let’s wait and see how it happens.