AS Roma explore loan deal with buy option for 23-year-old Barcelona academy graduate – report

AS Roma explore loan deal with buy option for 23-year-old Barcelona academy graduate – report Alejandro Balde finds himself in a difficult position at Barcelona, as minutes have proven hard to come by for the left-back under Hansi Flick. The 23-year-old defender has barely featured this season, playing only a little over 100 minutes across four matches. As such, rumours of a possible departure in January are starting to grow, with several clubs showing an interest. AS Roma interested in Balde Now, according to reports in Italy, as relayed by Esport3 , AS Roma are one of the clubs keen on signing Balde in the upcoming winter transfer window. The Giallorossi , managed by Gian Piero Gasperini, are looking to strengthen their options in the defensive unit and see the Barcelona defender as a potential target. What does the future hold for Balde? (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) As per the report, the Serie A giants are already exploring the possibility of signing the La Masia product on a loan deal until the end of the season with a buy option embedded in the agreement. Barcelona want €40 million at least for Balde Meanwhile, as already reported , Barcelona would prefer a permanent sale for Balde in case of an exit in January. In fact, the Blaugrana plan to demand a transfer fee of at least €40 million for the 23-year-old, with clubs like Manchester United and Chelsea also showing an interest. A loan exit is not entirely ruled out, but the La Liga champions will insist on the buy option being mandatory rather than optional. While that could leave the door open for Roma, Balde’s salary could also pose a challenge for the Serie A outfit. Will Balde stay or leave? (Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images) Moreover, there is also the possibility that Balde is used as a makeweight by Barcelona in a deal to sign Andrea Cambiaso from Juventus. All options are open for Balde, for now, who continues to fight to earn more minutes under Flick, especially given the number of absentees in defence through injury. Speaking of the left-back’s situation ahead of Barcelona’s Champions League clash against Aston Villa, the German manager said : “What’s happening to him is normal; when you don’t play often, you lack confidence. I see him training well, but we have to decide what’s best for the team, and Joao Cancelo is in great form,” he said. “When I say he lacks confidence, I know it can affect him, and I spoke to him after the last press conference. I respect him a lot; he’s young, but he’s a great person and a very hard worker. I’ll help him regain his confidence.”