Barcelona have been busy navigating the demands of a congested fixture schedule, balancing La Liga ambitions with the Champions League campaign.
Hansi Flick has been monitoring player workloads carefully, ensuring key performers avoid fatigue while youngsters are gradually integrated into first-team action.
The Catalans have also been keeping a close eye on their squad’s contract situations, with several players recently committing long-term to the club.
Meanwhile, European rivals continue to circle, assessing Barcelona’s depth and potential transfer targets as they plan their own strategies.
Off the pitch, sporting director Deco remains a pivotal figure in negotiating and managing external interest in the squad.
Amid these ongoing considerations, Barcelona have found themselves the focus of another transfer story, this time involving left-back Alejandro Balde.
According to E-Noticies, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has personally contacted Barcelona sporting director Deco to explore the possibility of signing the 22-year-old in the January window.
Guardiola’s interest in Alejandro Balde is framed by City’s current situation at left-back: Rayan Ait-Nouri is injured, while Nico O’Reilly has temporarily established himself as the club’s number one option.
Despite these circumstances, Manchester City’s pursuit of a “pure left-back” has led them to Balde, a player previously targeted by the Etihad side in 2023.
Balde, a product of Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, has made 132 appearances for the Catalans, scoring three goals and providing 18 assists.
This season he has featured six times for the first team, building on a 2024/25 campaign in which he scored once and assisted ten goals across 47 matches.
While he is not guaranteed a starting spot under Hansi Flick, the young Spaniard has reportedly made it clear that he has no intention of leaving Barcelona mid-season.
Despite Manchester City’s renewed interest and Guardiola’s personal involvement, Barcelona remain calm and confident in Balde’s commitment.
Balde was sidelined with an injury, but is now back.
The club believes the left-back will stay put in the short term, leaving City to explore alternative options if they want reinforcement on the left flank.
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