Barcelona outcast now considering January exit after falling out of favour

Barcelona outcast now considering January exit after falling out of favour According to Ferran Correas of SPORT , Alejandro Balde has started thinking about leaving FC Barcelona during the January transfer window and has already discussed the possibility with his representative, Jorge Mendes.  The defender has fallen out of favour under Hansi Flick in the ongoing campaign and is now weighing the possibility of an exit in the winter. A change in stance after difficult situation Back in the summer, when there were rampant speculations about his future, Balde was adamant about his future, stating unequivocally that he would not leave Barcelona. “People always say a lot of things, but Barcelona is my home,” he had said . “I’ve been at this club for 16 years, my whole life. I want to succeed here, and my mind is here.” Despite Flick making it clear that competition for a place in the team would be fierce, the La Masia graduate chose to stay at Barça, where he is under contract until 2028. Out of favour at Barcelona. (Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images) However, his outlook now appears to have changed as he struggles to find a role in Flick’s plans.  Balde was left out of the squad for the La Liga match against Elche while the transfer window was still open. Although he has been included in subsequent matchday squads, his involvement this season has been minimal. He has played just 12 minutes across the Catalans’ 10 matches, all of them coming against Racing when they were already comfortably leading. Balde has watched Flick favour two players who, unlike him, are not naturally left-footed for the left-back position: Joao Cancelo and Xavi Espart.  As such, the lack of playing time appears to be prompting the 22-year-old to reconsider his future.  Considering January departure. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images) Interest is unlikely to be lacking. Manchester United, who explored the possibility of signing him during the summer, could revive their pursuit in January .  Barcelona could consider a January sale There are still around two and a half months before the winter transfer window opens, but Balde’s situation is not expected to change easily unless he receives more opportunities.  Barcelona’s sporting department is also open to the possibility of a departure, as it was during the summer. A sale could provide the club with an opportunity to strengthen another area of the defence that was not reinforced in the previous transfer window: left-footed centre-back.  That position has become a concern following Andreas Christensen’s injury, and Balde’s departure could help Barça address the issue.