Barcelona prodigy Alejandro Balde is in line for a new contract with the Catalan giants, according to Depredict.
The 19-year-old has taken La Liga by storm with his exceptional performances for Xavi Hernandez’s side this season, making 25 appearances across all competitions and providing four assists thus far.
He has forced his way into the starting lineup, displacing club stalwart Jordi Alba as the team’s first-choice left-back, and the Blaugranas are keen to reward him with a new bumper contract.
Balde’s current deal only keeps him at Spotify Camp Nou until the summer of 2024, putting the likes of Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain, who have been tracking his development, on alert.
However, the player and the club want to continue together, and the Spanish giants are preparing a new deal to keep him until 2027.
Balde has been a standout performer since making his first-team debut after coming on as a 74th-minute substitute for Alba in the 3–0 loss to Bayern Munich in the Champions League group stage back in September 2021.
Balde’s skill and balance on the ball helps him skip past opponents with relative ease, and his explosive speed compliments his ball-carrying abilities making him a dangerous outlet on the offence.
His impressive performances for Barca earned the young sensation his debut for the Spanish national team in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Having represented Spain across all youth levels, the outstanding fullback has now made four appearances for La Roja.
Balde, who has been with Barcelona since the age of eight, progressing through the youth system, is seen as the long-term successor to Alba, whose future at the club beyond next summer remains up in the air.
Balde wants a deal that reflects his importance to the first team. He wants his new contract terms to match those handed to fellow academy graduates Gavi and Ronald Araujo.
Per the report, both the player and the club will reach an agreement soon, but it will only be made official at the end of the season when Barca will be able to register him.
For now, the Blaugranas have been handicapped by La Liga, who have refused to allow the club to increase their wage budget.
