Barça want to renew Balde's contract before end of the season

Alejandro Balde has been one of the big surprises of Barcelona's season so far. At just 18 years of age, his brilliant preseason convinced Xavi Hernandez to keep him around. He has now started five of the six LaLiga games played this season. He just missed the first game of the campaign, against Rayo Vallecano. After that game, Xavi decided to change Jordi Alba for Balde.

An international with Spain U21s, Barça believe he has a big future and, for that reason, want to revise his contract, although there is no rush. Balde renewed his deal just over one year ago, signing until 2024 with a €500 million release clause. There was even a big offer for him from England last summer, but nothing progressed. Also because Barça didn't want to let him leave.

There has been contact between the club and the player's agent, Jorge Mendes, although it is still early stages. Both parties know there will be no problems and have planned to talk again in the future. Barça know that the €500m clause buys them time can they can wait to advance negotiations. But they would like an agreement before the end of the season; they don't want him to move into the final year of his deal.

COMPETITION

Balde is only thinking of staying at Barça even though he has tough competition at left-back from Jordi Alba and Marcos Alonso, two players with uncertain futures. Alba's contract is up in 2024 but Barça would like to resolve his future sooner. Because of his high salary and because he's lost his place. Alonso is liked by Xavi. His deal is up in June but there is an option for him to extend by an additional year.