Alejandro Balde has emerged as one of the likeliest players to leave Barcelona in January after playing just 124 minutes under Hansi Flick across La Liga and the Champions League. The left-back had been a regular on that flank in previous seasons.
His agent, Jorge Mendes, has begun sounding out interested clubs in search of a bigger role for the La Masia graduate in the second half of the season. Barcelona, meanwhile, are considering selling a player to fund the signing of a centre-back.
According to Sport, Monaco have joined the talks over Balde. Barcelona are looking for around €40 million for the 23-year-old, and it remains to be seen whether Monaco will submit a formal bid at that price.
Monaco can offer Balde more playing time and have a recent precedent in Ansu Fati, who joined the Ligue 1 club in search of more minutes after falling down the pecking order at Barcelona.
In England, Mendes has contacted Manchester United, Liverpool, Aston Villa, Manchester City and Tottenham. In Italy, Juventus and Roma have asked about the terms of a potential deal, with Balde’s wages among the factors to consider.
Barcelona favour a permanent sale, while Mendes is exploring a loan with an option to buy that would become mandatory if certain conditions are met. That structure could give Roma a chance to compete for his signature, particularly if the obligation to buy hinges on Champions League qualification.
Balde is under contract until June 2028. He and Mendes expect their options to become clearer in December before deciding on a move that offers regular playing time and meets Barcelona’s financial demands.
