Flick’s verdict was unusually blunt for a manager still naming the player in his squad. Asked about his out-of-favor left-back before Saturday’s win over Deportivo Alavés, the Barcelona coach told reporters that Balde was short of what the system demands.
“Balde doesn’t have the confidence he needs to play, the conviction to attack and press high,” Flick said.
“The full-backs are very important for us, in our style of play. He needs confidence to reach his best level.”
For a 23-year-old Spain international who was first-choice at left-back barely a year ago, hearing that from his coach at a pre-match press conference landed hard. Goal reports that Balde is now open to a move if it guarantees him minutes, and that part of his frustration is learning about his standing through press conferences rather than directly from Flick.
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Behind Cancelo and Martín
The numbers back the demotion. Balde has played 101 minutes in La Liga this season and another 16 in the Champions League, according to Caught Offside. João Cancelo and Gerard Martín are both above him in Flick’s rotation, and the two outings Balde did get, in the defeats to Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid, came only because the defense was gutted by injuries.
One voice inside the dressing room has pushed the other way. Cancelo, the player directly blocking him, has become an unlikely ally. Goal reports that the Portugal international has defended Balde in front of the coach on occasion, kept him calm and urged him to persevere.
Barcelona’s conditions
Barcelona’s stance has not formally shifted. In mid-October, Football365 reported that Fabrizio Romano saw a straightforward exit as unlikely, with the club willing to consider only a permanent sale for a significant fee, and Balde’s salary itself a point of negotiation.
Goal’s Nov. 1 reporting repeats the same line: Barcelona do not favour loans easily and need to inject cash to strengthen the defense in January. Balde, however, would welcome a loan modelled on Ronald Araujo’s move to Liverpool, if it means playing regularly.
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Manchester United push hardest
Manchester United are the most active suitor. Caught Offside says United are preparing an aggressive January move, with Liverpool also offered the chance to sign the Spain international. Manchester City, who inquired alongside United last summer, could re-enter the picture.
The Premier League is understood to be Balde’s preferred destination, and his representative, Jorge Mendes, has been working the market on his behalf. The January window opens on January 1, and until then Balde remains in Flick’s squad as his fourth-choice left-back.
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