A key Barcelona defender is sliding toward the exit, dragged down by prolonged inconsistency and below-par showings.
After the solid 3-0 Levante victory, squad competition exposes vulnerabilities in the defensive pecking order.
A homegrown talent, once untouchable, now risks permanent exile as loanees seize opportunities in training and matches.
Financial pressures and transfer planning amplify the stakes ahead of summer reshuffles.
That defender is Alejandro Balde, whose academy-forged starting spot faces “serious danger” from January arrival João Cancelo.
Mundo Deportivo highlights Cancelo’s “stellar display” versus Levante—elite pace, pressing tenacity, and central overlaps—that warns of Balde’s precarious position.
The 21-year-old La Masia graduate sat out fully against Levante, appeared late versus Girona, and started just twice in Barcelona’s prior five outings, no injuries cited.
Cancelo’s two-footed mastery and tactical nous align seamlessly with Flick’s high-line demands.
Balde’s form wobbles coincide with defensive errors derailing his meteoric rise—32 appearances, 3 assists logged this term.
Yet Cancelo’s pedigree from Manchester City and Bayern Munich tips the scales, especially with Jules Koundé overburdened.
Suitors circle: Inter Milan and Manchester United eye a bargain, despite Balde’s €500m release clause and his public desire to stay and reclaim turf.
Flick’s merit-based rotation tests all, but prolonged bench time spells trouble.
Summer looms large with full-back overhauls on Barcelona’s radar, alongside striker and center-back priorities. Cancelo’s loan serves as an audition; success could flip the hierarchy permanently.
Flick cherishes La Masia gems like Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsí, but insists on flawless execution—Balde must rally or face the exit door amid salary cap realities.
This high-stakes duel underscores Barcelona’s title charge: second place, +39 goal difference, quadruple ambitions alive.
Balde’s crossroads moment defines La Masia’s resilience—adapt or depart. Camp Nou awaits his response.
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