Barcelona homegrown star’s future in serious doubt as Flick sends another clear message

According to a report by Barca Universal on Sunday October 11, 2026, Barcelona defender Alejandro Balde is facing an uncertain future at the club after head coach Hansi Flick once again overlooked him during the Catalan side’s 3-0 victory over Getafe.

The 22-year-old left-back has struggled to secure regular playing time this season, raising questions about his position in Flick’s plans and whether he could consider leaving the club during the January transfer window.

According to Barca Universal, citing Diario AS, Balde’s continued absence from the starting line-up has increased uncertainty surrounding his future at the Spanish champions.

Barcelona have enjoyed an excellent start to the 2026/27 campaign, but the situation has been less encouraging for the academy graduate, who has found opportunities difficult to come by.

Balde was expected to have a chance to feature against Getafe following the international break, particularly as Flick made changes to his team.

Several players who had remained in Barcelona during the international break were given opportunities, including Joan Garcia, Gerard Martin, Gavi and Gabriel Jesus.

Even Xavi Espart, who had been away with Spain’s Under-21 team, started the match. However, Balde remained on the bench for the entire 90 minutes.

His absence was another indication that he has fallen down the pecking order at Barcelona.

The report states that Balde has played only 12 minutes this season, coming against Racing Santander in a match Barcelona had already effectively won.

The defender’s limited involvement is a significant change from his previous standing at the club, where he was regarded as one of Europe’s most promising young full-backs.

Competition from Joao Cancelo and the emergence of Espart have made his situation increasingly difficult. Both players are reportedly ahead of him in Flick’s current left-back hierarchy, leaving Balde with a major challenge if he hopes to reclaim his place.

Balde has previously demonstrated his attacking qualities, using his pace and ability to overlap to create opportunities down the left flank. However, inconsistency and concerns about his development have reportedly contributed to his reduced role.

His difficulties reportedly began during the summer, when Flick informed him that his position within the squad had changed and that regular playing time could no longer be guaranteed.

The Barcelona manager also left him out of the squad against Elche, giving the defender time to consider his situation.

Balde ultimately decided to remain at the club and fight for his place, hoping to convince Flick that he still deserved an important role in the team.

However, his limited involvement in the opening stages of the season suggests that he has yet to change the manager’s assessment.

The January transfer window could therefore become an important turning point in his Barcelona career if his situation does not improve over the coming weeks.

Barcelona must decide whether to continue backing the defender and give him opportunities to regain his confidence or consider alternative options if he remains outside Flick’s plans.

Despite his current difficulties, Balde has already shown considerable potential and possesses qualities that could make him an important player for the club in the future.

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