Barcelona are now said to have made up their mind over Alejandro Balde amid talk they will replace him with Marc Cucurella this summer. The Blaugrana have reportedly been presented with the opportunity to re-sign Spain and Chelsea star Cucurella, who has gone on to be a star after coming through La Masia and failing to make it at Camp Nou.
But given he is currently one of the best left-backs in the world, Cucurella would not come cheap, and so Hansi Flick would have to sell a left-back first, and with Joao Cancelo his preferred first choice, that leaves Balde.
Barca's Balde stance becomes clear
The dilemma Barca have with Balde is that he is not quite at the level Flick wants at left-back, but he is still only 21 yesrs of age. There is little doubt that the youngster has much more development to come, potentially becoming a long-term starter for Barca.
Cucurella, meanwhile, is 27 years of age and would be a short-term fix over the next two to three years, but he could immediately elevate Barca given his quality.
But it seems Barca are going to place their trust in Balde who, according to Mundo Deportivo, is not for sale this summer. The Blaugrana are said to believe in Balde long term, and tthey will not sell him unless he specifically asks to leave the club.
Barca are aware of the Cucurella option, and that the Spaniard is only likely to leave Chelsea if the Camp Nou call comes. But they do not feel rushed in making that decision, given it will likely be there to be made next summer, too.
For now, Flick has his trust in Cancelo and Balde, and the only way that will change is if Balde asks to leave. That is not impossible given he hasn't been first choice of late, but it seems unlikely for a 21-year-old who will fully believe he can win the starting spot for years to come if he remains patient and continues to develop.
Flick has already said of Balde: "Gerard MartĂn, like Balde, has improved a lot. But for me, Balde is one of the best in his position, both with and without the ball. They’re different kinds of players, so I don’t think it’s fair to compare them."
Balde will feel well-backed by Flick, even if the presence of Cancelo is making it more difficult for him to land starts. For now, all signs point to a Balde stay and Cucurella having to wait for his Barca return.
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