What happened to Alejandro Balde? From generational talent to a January exit from Barcelona
Super-agent Jorge Mendes is currently looking to move FC Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde in January. According to Sport, Balde has been offered to AS Roma on-loan until the end of the season plus a purchase option.
Alejandro has played just 30 minutes of competitive football in the 2026/27 season under Hansi Flick and is at rock bottom in Catalunya. As Mendes believes that the best move for everyone is for Balde to leave now, fans are left reeling as to how someone seen as Barcelona’s left-back for the next decade has disappeared so quickly.
Comparison to Alphonso Davies
Just a few years ago Alejandro was seen as Barcelona’s gem. He stormed out of La Masia in the 2022/23 season, replacing club legend Jordi Alba and making his way into Spain’s World Cup squad at just 18.
Alejandro Balde possesses great recovery pace, explosive carries and 1v1 dribbling. He was likened to Alphonso Davies due to his similarities to the Bundesliga star. However, like Davies he never developed his game beyond his athleticism. His lack of technical ability was clear to see.
Alejandro suffered regular hamstring and muscle injuries that halted his development. Every time he returned to the pitch he lacked decision making in the final third. Despite regularly getting past his man in dangerous areas, he was unable to play his final pass with either too much power or too much telegraphing.
Covered up by Joao Cancelo and Xavi Espart
Alejandro’s lack of final product was evident as the competition for places at Spotify Camp Nou increased. Under Hansi Flick, full backs must have great passing range.
Joao Cancelo had a late bloom at the age of 32 and showed his technical prowess and scoring ability. This meant he was Flick’s first choice left back in the UEFA Champions League. To make matters worse for Balde, 19-year-old Xavi Espart emerged as a phenomenon. He is a versatile player that could dominate as an inverted left back or as a right back in Europe. He possesses all of the qualities that Alejandro lacks.
Alejandro’s stats show how bad things have gotten for him.
La Liga – 1 sub (13 mins vs Real Racing Club), 8 times left on the bench.
UEFA Champions League – 1 sub (17 mins vs PSG). The defence fell apart and conceded 2 late goals after he came on in the 73rd minute for Xavi Espart.
Although Flick has praised him recently for his professionalism in training, Balde is clearly no longer trusted.
Last chance in Rome or next Ansu Fati?
Balde only has one option to save his career if he moves to AS Roma on loan in January. Moving to Italy will allow him to play regular 90 minute games away from the scrutiny of Barcelona, regain his confidence and improve his final delivery.
However, it’s impossible not to feel the same dread that we felt with Ansu Fati. Ansu was another quick La Masia star who won the world as a teenager but suffered regular muscle injuries. He lost his explosiveness and was eventually sold by Barcelona after multuple loans.
The fact that they’re talking about an option to buy shows that Deco and the board may already be looking at life without him. The signs aren’t looking great but we can only hope that Alejandro Balde can make a miracle happen after a reset in the winter.
