For over an hour, Real Betis held on to a tight-defensive line against Barcelona when the two sides met midweek. For all the Catalans’ single-minded efforts, there seemed to be no way of breaking open the defence until their young phenom on the left, Alejandro Balde, came up with another perfect assist.
Balde has been the club’s biggest revelation this season and is the latest on a long list of La Masia graduates to fly high at Barcelona. Even the experienced Jordi Alba and Marcos Alonso have been left behind by the youngster who is now Xavi’s first-choice left-back.
According to reports from Gabriel Sans of Mundo Deportivo, Balde’s renewal is taken for granted by the club. This does not mean that the club are indifferent towards his continuity but that Barcelona strongly know that the player wishes to stay in Catalonia.
Jorge Mendes has already received the renewal documents sent by the Blaugranas, and only his approval remains before it can be concretely finalised. After all, Balde is seen as an asset whose contract must be carefully shielded.
Balde’s current contract expires in 2024, and the Catalans see it as important to secure his long-term future as they continue building the core of the team with young talents like Gavi, Pedri, Ansu Fati, Ronald Araujo, and Jules Kounde.
The La Masia graduate will likely pen a new deal until 2027 with a release clause worth €500 million.
The 19-year-old was the team’s best player in the game at Benito Villamarin and deservedly walked away with the man-of-the-match award. On the night, he had one assist, three key passes and ten defensive actions.
In 17 league appearances for Barcelona this season, the prodigy has provided four assists and created five big chances. With an average of over 90% passes completed, it is quite clear why he is seen as one for the Catalans’ system.
Balde is expected to start when Xavi’s side take on Sevilla on Sunday night at Camp Nou. Needless to say, he will fancy his chances against a side who have been struggling defensively all season.