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According to a report by Barca Universal on Monday November 2, 2026, Barcelona defender Alejandro Balde is increasingly considering leaving the club during the January transfer window after struggling to secure regular playing time under manager Hansi Flick.
According to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo, the 23-year-old is becoming more receptive to the idea of leaving Camp Nou and is prepared to listen to offers if his situation does not improve.
Balde had hoped that Barcelona's recent defensive injury problems would provide him with an opportunity to re-establish himself in Flick's plans.
However, despite receiving minutes against Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid and Alaves, the Spain international has continued to struggle to secure a regular starting position.
His latest disappointment came against Alaves, where he once again failed to make Flick's starting XI despite the club having several defensive absentees.
The situation has reportedly increased his belief that moving elsewhere could be necessary to rebuild his confidence and revive his career.
Competition for the left-back position has become increasingly difficult for Balde following the emergence of Xavi Espart and the arrival of Joao Cancelo.
Both players have reportedly moved ahead of him in Flick's selection plans, leaving the Barcelona academy graduate struggling to establish a consistent role.
Furthermore, the coaching staff are understood to have concerns about his concentration and tactical understanding, particularly when deciding when to move forward and when to press opponents.
Flick also publicly questioned the defender's confidence before Barcelona's meeting with Alaves.
"Balde doesn't currently have the confidence he needs in his game, nor the conviction. And defenders are very important," the German manager said.
Those comments, combined with his continued absence from the starting XI, appear to have increased the uncertainty surrounding his future at the club.
Manchester United are among the clubs monitoring Balde's situation ahead of the January transfer window.
Their interest is not entirely new, as both Manchester clubs reportedly explored his availability during the summer transfer window.
Bayern Munich were also mentioned as potential suitors, although the German champions eventually signed Nathaniel Brown instead.
Manchester United's interest is particularly worth monitoring because the Premier League club have previously shown an appreciation for the Barcelona defender.
The difference now is that Balde appears more willing to consider a departure rather than insisting on remaining at Camp Nou.
Barcelona also have financial considerations to address before deciding whether to sanction his departure.
The Catalan club are reportedly reluctant to allow players to leave on loan and would prefer to generate transfer income to strengthen Flick's defensive options.
This could complicate the situation, as Balde would want a move that guarantees him regular football, while Barcelona would expect a financially attractive offer before considering his departure.
For now, the defender does not want to spend another season struggling for opportunities, and a permanent transfer could become a realistic possibility if his situation does not improve.
With Manchester United monitoring developments, the coming weeks could prove important in determining whether the Barcelona academy graduate remains at Camp Nou or begins a new chapter elsewhere.