Barcelona has announced its first squad for the 2026-27 La Liga season, revealing a significant omission. Alejandro Balde has not been included in the lineup, raising questions about his future with the club.

Speculation surrounding Balde’s status has been rife since last evening, with reports suggesting he may leave Barcelona this summer. Coach Hansi Flick insinuated that Balde’s training performance had not met expectations, despite acknowledging his potential talent.

As the 22-year-old Spaniard missed the opportunity to play against Elche, this marks the first major indication that he could soon exit the team. In his absence, Barcelona has other defensive players available, including Joao Cancelo, Jules Kounde, Eric Garcia, Gerard Martin, Xavi Espart, Alvaro Cortes, and Jordi Pesquer.

Impactful Omission for Balde

Balde’s omission stands out, especially amid ongoing uncertainty regarding his role in Flick’s strategy. Although it was anticipated that Balde might not start against Elche, his complete exclusion from the matchday squad raises further implications.

Flick has recently expressed the need for Balde to elevate his game, especially with growing competition for defensive positions within the team. Notably, Manchester United has recently shown interest in Balde, keeping track of developments that could lead to a transfer if both parties decide it is the best course of action.

Despite the speculation, Balde’s preference is understood to be clear: he wishes to remain at Barça and compete for his place.

A Critical Moment for Balde

Balde participated in Flick’s last two pre-season matches against FC Basel and Al Ahly, yet his recent exclusion suggests a shift in the coach’s approach. Flick’s remarks, combined with rising speculation, imply that Balde’s absence may carry more weight than a mere disciplinary measure.

This situation serves as a crucial moment for the 22-year-old, as he needs to prove himself if he wishes to continue at the Catalan club under Flick’s leadership. Up until now, Balde has largely held his position as the preferred left-back, despite instances where his performance may not have warranted it.

Now, Flick faces the challenge of determining the starting roster against Elche. Joao Cancelo is a possible choice, though his recent arrival might hinder his readiness for the game. Consequently, emerging talent Jordi Pesquer could potentially make his debut against Elche. The handling of Balde’s situation will be closely watched in the upcoming weeks by fans and analysts alike.

Barcelona have named their first squad for the 2026-27 La Liga season, and there has been one major omission.

Since last evening, there has been a lot of chatter around Alejandro Balde’s future, with the Spaniard emerging as a likely candidate to leave the club this summer.

Advertisement

Hansi Flick had hinted that Balde was not training in a way that he liked, despite the fact that he was a great talent.

Now, the 22-year-old Spaniard has been left out of Barcelona’s squad to face Elche, emerging as the first significant sign that he could be on his way out.

The official squad list has other defensive options like Joao Cancelo, Jules Kounde, Eric Garcia, Gerard Martin, Xavi Espart, Alvaro Cortes and Jordi Pesquer.

A massive blow for Balde

Balde has been left of the Barcelona eleven. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Balde’s absence is particularly notable given the recent questions surrounding his position in Flick’s plans.

Advertisement

The 22-year-old had already been expected to miss out on the starting XI against Elche, but he has now been excluded from the matchday squad altogether.

Flick has recently demanded a step forward from the La Masia graduate, who faces increasing competition for minutes in Barcelona’s defence.

The timing is also interesting because Manchester United have recently been linked with Balde.

The Premier League club are monitoring developments and could become an option should Barcelona and the defender eventually decide that a transfer is best.

For now, Balde’s preference is understood to be clear: he wants to remain at Barça and fight for his position.

Advertisement

A huge wake-up call for the 22-year-old

Balde started Flick’s last two pre-season games against FC Basel and Al Ahly, but it looks like something has transpired between the pair since.

Flick’s words, coupled with the increasing speculation, suggest that this omission of Balde may be more than just a slap on the wrist.

This is a huge wake-up call for the 22-year-old if he still wants to stay at the Catalan club and succeed under Hansi Flick.

Since his breakthrough into the first team, Balde has almost always been the undisputed option at left-back despite not always deserving it.