The past 12-18 months have been absolutely spectacular for Barcelona youngster Alejandro Balde as he became the club’s first-choice left-back replacing Jordi Alba during the 2022/23 season.
The La Masia graduate also made his Spain national team breakthrough, that too at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar an year ago.
Balde started this season as Barcelona’s first-choice left-back and even signed a new long-term contract while being handed the iconic #3 shirt left vacant since Gerard Pique’s exit.
But, in recent weeks, the 20-year-old’s performance levels have dipped raising some concerns within Barcelona, with the youngster even being benched in some games in favour of Joao Cancelo at left-back.
Chelsea, Manchester City, United interested in Balde
Given the situation, SPORT is reporting that Chelsea, Manchester City, and Manchester United are all keeping tabs on Alejandro Balde at Barcelona with a view to a possible move next summer.
This is not the first time that the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City have been credited with interest in the Spanish international.
In fact, as per the report, the Blues are showing the strongest interest in the La Masia graduate while both City and United are keeping themselves updated about any developments regarding the 20-year-old left-back.
It must be noted that Balde’s agent, Jorge Mendes, had previously told Barcelona that a big sale could be made if the club gave their OK to offload the youngster.
Barcelona, Balde want to continue partnership
However, despite the growing interest from three Premier League bigwigs, Balde wishes to continue at Barcelona, if he continues to be a starter in Xavi’s team.
Even though he was benched for a few games in favour of Cancelo, the 20-year-old did regain his spot in the last couple of matches before the mid-season break.
Furthermore, despite his dip in form, Barcelona see Balde as a ‘non-transferable’ asset and trust him to continue his development and projection.
Xavi gave Balde a warning of sorts by benching him and the staff are working hard with the youngster to improve the defensive and attacking aspects of his game. The player, for his part, is aware that he needs to step up.
So, despite the interest from Chelsea, Manchester City, and United the doors for Balde’s sale remain closed for now.
