Barcelona Reassesses Alejandro Balde’s Future as Hans Flick Prioritizes João Cancelo for 2026-27 Campaign

Barcelona re-evaluates Alejandro Balde as Hans Flick pushes to keep João Cancelo. Financial pressure could lead to a summer Premier League move.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 30, 2026, 8:36 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from YSScores

The Shift in Tactical Hierarchy

Alejandro Balde’s once-secure position as Barcelona’s primary left-back is under significant internal review following a tactical shift under manager Hans Flick. According to reports from the Spanish newspaper "AS," Flick has identified João Cancelo as his preferred choice for the flank, valuing the veteran’s attacking versatility and technical composure. This preference has seen Balde’s minutes diminish, marking a stark departure from previous seasons when the 22-year-old was viewed as an "untouchable" cornerstone of the club’s future. As the technical staff prioritizes a more experienced defensive profile, Balde finds himself at a crossroads regarding his role in the squad.

The Impact of Recurrent Physical Setbacks

A major factor contributing to the uncertainty surrounding Balde is his struggle to maintain consistency following several injury layoffs. The report indicates that while Balde remains a high-potential talent, his ability to regain peak match fitness after medical absences has become a point of concern for the coaching staff. This fluctuating form has coincided with the unexpected brilliance of youth academy product Gerard Martín, who has proven to be a reliable and physically robust alternative. The increased internal competition has highlighted Balde’s current struggles, making it difficult for the young defender to reclaim his starting berth during the critical final phase of the season.

The Cancelo Negotiations and the Al-Hilal Factor

Barcelona’s management is actively working to extend João Cancelo’s tenure in Catalonia, despite the complexity of his contractual situation. Cancelo is currently tied to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal until 2027, but his strong performances in Spain have convinced the board that he is essential for the 2026-27 project. Interestingly, both Balde and Cancelo are represented by super-agent Jorge Mendes, a dynamic that adds an extra layer of complexity to the negotiations. If Barcelona successfully reaches a long-term agreement with Al-Hilal for Cancelo, the pathway for Balde to return to the starting XI becomes significantly more obstructed.