Barcelona identify 22-year-old in-house talent as backup for Alejandro Balde | OneFootball

Following the departure of Marcos Alonso as a free agent earlier this summer, FC Barcelona are left with Alejandro Balde as the only senior left-back in the squad.

The Blaugrana, though, do not plan on signing a new player for the position and instead wish to bring someone from within the club ranks to act as cover for the position.

All signs initially pointed towards Alex Valle being the backup left-back, but his future has been cast into doubt, especially with his release clause dropping to €3 million starting today.

Gerard Martin the solution?

Now, Mundo Deportivo reports that Barcelona have seemingly identified Gerard Martin as a possible backup and replacement for Alejandro Balde in the left-back position.

Martin, 22, joined Barcelona in the summer window of last year, arriving from UE Cornella and becoming a mainstay in the Barça Atletic side under Rafa Marquez.

The Spanish defender featured in 41 games across all competitions for the Catalans’ reserve team, even registering a solitary assist.

Flick & co. impressed

Gerard Martin has been training with the first team under new manager Hansi Flick since the start of pre-season last month. And he appears to have made a big impression on the coaches.

Martin’s impeccable performance against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City on the US pre-season tour, with an assist for a goal, is proof of the coaches’ conviction.

The defender is liked by the coaches for his physical power, his defensive ability, his offensive capabilities and his contribution to the game. His performances last season caught the attention of Deco while Flick was also impressed after watching his clips.

Martin’s contract with Barcelona runs until 2025, but negotiations to renew him are taken for granted due to his high level of performance.

As things stand, he is seen as being ahead of both Alex Valle and Mika Faye as competition for Balde in the left-back slot.