RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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Exit-linked Barcelona defender trains normally as Manchester United wait on the sidelines
According to Mundo Deportivo , Barcelona defender Alejandro Balde trained normally with the group less than a week before the transfer window closes.
Balde was among the players who either did not feature or played limited minutes against Elche , which was quite notable given the uncertainty surrounding his future.
Right now, the situation is far from resolved, as Hansi Flick is expected to speak with him, while, in the background, Barcelona’s sporting management is working on several possible departures before the deadline.
But Monday’s training session portrayed that Balde is not being treated like a player who has been pushed out of the squad, which is a keen detail, especially at a time when Manchester United are monitoring his situation.
Balde returns to group training after Elche win
The decision to leave Balde out of the Elche matchday squad was one of the more surprising elements of Barcelona’s opening weekend.
Alejandro Balde has trained with the group. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)
After the game, Flick explained that the matter was connected to the defender’s situation and his current condition rather than confirming that he had been told to find a new club.
“I spoke with Alejandro Balde this morning. I told him he’s not at 100%, that it’s best for him to stay home, and that we’ll talk later,” the Barcelona manager said.
That conversation is now central to any potential Barcelona transfer concerning the left-back.
For now, though, Balde trained normally on Monday while awaiting further clarity. He joined the main group, working alongside players who had not played or had received limited minutes against Elche.
As far as the defender is concerned, he wants to stay at Barcelona and would only consider a departure if the club directly informed him that he was no longer part of their plans.
Balde did not play against Elche. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
That puts the next discussion with Flick in the spotlight. Balde has options elsewhere, including interest from Manchester United , but the defender does not appear to be looking for an exit.
Casado and Hector Fort remain separate
The difference between Balde’s situation and that of Marc Casado and Hector Fort is particularly telling.
According to the report, Casado and Fort remain training separately as their futures continue to be discussed, as both players are among those who could leave Barcelona before the end of the transfer window.
Balde, however, has continued to work with the wider group.
Notably, though, it is quite important to understand that this does not guarantee that the left-back will remain at the club.
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