Xavi makes call on another Barcelona star’s future | OneFootball

Barcelona head coach Xavi has come to a definitive decision on the future of a headline member of his side’s defensive ranks.

That’s according to Diario Sport, who point towards Alejandro Balde as the player in question.

Left-back Balde has of course endured a difficult campaign in Catalunya’s capital to date.

After seeing his performances called into question amid fresh competition at left-back from the on-loan João Cancelo, the youngster then picked up a serious injury following the turn of the year.

Forced under the knife to repair a hamstring issue suffered during a Copa del Rey meeting with Athletic Club, Balde was ruled out for the remainder of the term as a result.

Amid such woes, it had been suggested in the media of late that, in the case of an offer deemed as sufficient landing on the desks at Barcelona in the summer, the defender’s sale would be taken into serious consideration.

If the latest word doing the rounds today is anything to go by, however, then as much has now been ruled out.

As per the aforementioned Sport:

‘Xavi does not consider putting Balde on the market as an option’.

Not only that, but it is also reiterated that Barca’s headmaster views Balde as his ‘starting left-back’ with a view to the 2024/25 season.

Conor Laird | GSFN