Barcelona will not force exit-linked defender out despite growing Manchester United interest

Barcelona will not force exit-linked defender out despite growing Manchester United interest Alejandro Balde’s future at Barcelona may have become one of the more unexpected talking points of the summer, but the club has no intention of pushing the left-back towards the exit door. According to Mundo Deportivo (h/t FCB World ), Barcelona will not force Balde to leave despite the strong message recently delivered by Hansi Flick .  The defender’s omission from the squad for the match against Elche, coupled with Xavi Espart being selected to start, has intensified speculation surrounding his situation. Yet, for all the uncertainty surrounding his role, Balde remains focused on staying and fighting for his place in the Barcelona starting XI. Barcelona leave the final decision to the player Barcelona’s position is clear: Balde will only be allowed to leave if he personally decides that he wants a new challenge and is able to bring an attractive offer to the club. The Blaugrana are not seeking to move him on or attempting to convince him to accept a transfer. Instead, the final decision over his future is expected to rest largely with the player himself. Barcelona will not force Balde to leave. (Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images) Balde, for his part, is not currently considering an exit . His intention is to remain at Barcelona and work towards regaining his place in the starting line-up. A departure would only become a realistic possibility if the club were to directly inform him that he is no longer part of their plans.  Until that happens, the defender appears prepared to continue competing for his position. Flick’s Elche decision changed the mood Balde’s situation has changed considerably over the past few days.  Until recently, despite regular transfer rumours and reported interest from Manchester United , Balde’s future appeared to be tied to Barcelona. That was also the player’s preference. He had continued to ignore the speculation surrounding a possible departure and was willing to accept that his role could be different this season. Manchester United are showing serious interested in Balde. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images) Balde knew that a starting place would no longer be guaranteed, but he was prepared to compete for his opportunities under Flick. However, Flick’s decision to leave the 22-year-old out of the squad entirely sent a clear message and added further intrigue to the situation. Balde still has a chance to fight Despite the recent developments, there is no indication that Barcelona are preparing to close the door on Balde or force a transfer through. Flick’s message may have made the defender’s situation more complicated, but Balde still intends to respond on the pitch.  At this stage, he wants to earn his way back into the manager’s plans rather than look for an immediate escape route.