Alejandro Balde has stepped up his game this season, to such an extent that he has virtually replaced Jordi Alba as the starting left back in Xavi’s first eleven. Xavi has found the athleticism and energy that the youngster brings to the game highly effective, and has used Balde regularly in his starting line-ups.
Owing to this growth and development trajectory, and the potential to grow even further in the upcoming seasons, FC Barcelona are committed to ensuring a continued association of the player with the club. Balde’s current contract runs till 2024, but the club has already completed their homework to extend this contract until 2027.
Reports on further developments in this contract renewal operation have been provided by SPORT, who claim that Balde’s agent, Jorge Mendes, is planning a visit to the city of Barcelona in the upcoming weeks, primarily for this particular operation. The superagent has a good relationship with the Barcelona hierarchy, and his next meeting will aim at closing the negotiations for Balde’s renewal.
However, these negotiations are not expected to be entirely a cakewalk for either side. SPORT reports further that Balde expects the club to offer him the same terms as have been offered to Ronald Araujo and Gavi, which are slightly lower than the contract terms of Pedri and Ansu Fati. Meeting these demands can be difficult for Barcelona due to their weak financial condition and their problems with FFP.
Still, there is cause for optimism about his renewal. Balde himself is reported to be keen to remain at Barcelona for as long as the club wants him to, despite him not expressing this in any of the comments he has made to the press up till now. Furthermore, Mendes’ relationship with the club will also make negotiations easier for both parties.
