AC Milan make enquiry for €40 million-rated Barcelona defender facing complicated situation

AC Milan make enquiry for €40 million-rated Barcelona defender facing complicated situation Alejandro Balde has not played a single minute in La Liga so far, and his situation at FC Barcelona is beginning to attract interest from clubs elsewhere in Europe. The defender chose to remain at Barça despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, but his sporting situation has become even more complicated since the start of the season. Manchester United were the first club to make enquiries, and now, according to SPORT , AC Milan are also monitoring his situation. Balde was left out of the squad for the match against Elche after Hansi Flick decided that he was not fully focused. The academy graduate chose to stay and fight for his place, but his return against Athletic Club still did not result in any playing time. Flick started with Xavi Espart at left-back before bringing on Joao Cancelo, leaving Balde on the bench for the entire match. Out of favour. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) As a result, Balde has gone from being a regular starter to playing no part in either of Barcelona’s first two league matches. The situation reinforces the doubts surrounding him and once again opens the door to a potential departure. Milan are monitoring the situation According to the report, AC Milan have contacted Barcelona to learn more about Balde’s situation and assess a possible move. The Italian club are studying a formula that could allow them to bring in the left-back, although there is no advanced negotiation at this stage and it hasn’t yet been decided whether Milan would pursue a permanent transfer or a loan. Milan therefore become the second major club to show concrete interest in Balde after Manchester United. The Red Devils had already contacted Balde’s representative, Jorge Mendes, to establish the conditions for a possible departure. At that point, however, Balde was clear that he wanted to remain at Barcelona. Two league matches without a minute on the pitch could now change the equation. Interested clubs will be hoping that his lack of opportunities eventually persuades him to reconsider. A complicated operation However, a deal for the 22-year-old left-back would not be straightforward. Will Balde stay or leave?. (Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images) Barcelona value Balde at around €40 million and have no intention of allowing him to leave for significantly less than that. The left-back is also under contract until 2028 and, for now, still wants to remain in Barcelona. AC Milan understand the difficulties and are therefore waiting to see whether the situation changes. Balde’s lack of playing time could ultimately open a door that has so far remained firmly closed. Meanwhile, Flick continues to send clear signals that Balde will have to change plenty if he wants to reclaim his position. Espart has emerged strongly, while Cancelo continues to enjoy the coach’s confidence, leaving Balde as the third option at left-back. The decision now rests with Balde: continue fighting for his place at Barça or start listening seriously to the offers arriving from the market.