Ahead of this season, nobody quite expected Barcelona’s dynamics at left-back to change as dramatically as they have. Undisputed in this position last season, Alba was expected to retain his first-choice role, while Alejandro Balde (and then Marcos Alonso) fought for second-choice.
However, as it stands, Balde has taken Barça by storm, and cemented a place at left-back. He has been a revelation for the club, applying his incredibly dynamic profile to add flair and electricity to the wing.
Incredibly impressed by his sudden breakthrough, Barcelona want to award the youngster a renewal, and if reports from SPORT are to be believed, they are in talks with his agent Jorge Mendes, over a two-year extension.
In fact, Balde is set to be handed a senior number in January to go along with first-team registration. The #12 has been untouched since Martin Braithwaite left the club, and will likely go to the Spanish defender in January.
Balde has deployed his trade not only as the left-back this season, but also as the right-back, and has done exceedingly well. So much so that there can be an argument made about him being the best left and right-back for the club this season.
As it stands, the 19-year-old’s contract clocks up in 2024, and with a two-year extension, he will be tied to the club till 2026.