Swap deal involving Barcelona homegrown star and Inter Milan defender was never close – Romano

Swap deal involving Barcelona homegrown star and Inter Milan defender was never close – Romano Barcelona have been suffering from numerous defensive injuries in recent weeks, forcing Hansi Flick to get creative with his team selection. Among the many names the Catalan club have been linked with is Inter Milan star Federico Dimarco . However, it has emerged that he is close to extending his contract. Alejandro Balde has lost prominence under Hansi Flick this season, and Barça had explored an arrangement to offer the Spaniard in exchange for the Italian back in the summer. However, according to Fabrizio Romano , a swap deal between Balde and Dimarco was neither close nor feasible. Inter have always wanted to retain the Italian international, while Balde himself had no intention of leaving Barcelona last summer. Romano clarifies Balde-Dimarco situation The two left-backs were linked with a potential exchange during the summer transfer window, but the deal never developed. Barcelona had explored the possibility of selling Balde after Hansi Flick lost faith in him, with Manchester United also interested. Dimarco never looked close to joining Barcelona. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images) However, Balde decided to stay at the Catalan club and prove his worth to the manager, which hasn’t worked out so far. Had Barcelona sold the 23-year-old, they might have wanted a new left-back in the squad, and Dimarco would have been perfect. However, Romano’s clarification makes it clear that the option was never on the table, and Inter have now activated the Italian’s one-year contract extension . Barcelona face important decisions at left-back For Barcelona, the situation is particularly interesting because Balde’s future remains uncertain. The La Masia graduate has struggled for regular minutes under Hansi Flick, with Joao Cancelo and Xavi Espart ahead of him in the pecking order. What does the future hold for Balde at Barcelona? (Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images) Even with four defenders injured, Hansi Flick has chosen to play Brian Farinas at right-back rather than put Balde in his line-up. Nevertheless, Balde’s desire to remain at Barcelona is an important part of the story. It remains to be seen whether he changes that stance come January. Barcelona would benefit from selling a player Hansi Flick doesn’t count on and using that money to bring in a centre-back, which is a pressing need in the squad. It remains to be seen how Hansi Flick handles this situation and who Barça go for if Balde leaves in the winter transfer window.