Barcelona aware a Premier League club is willing to pay big money for La Masia graduate

Much like a rich harvest after patient cultivation, a multitude of young talents have sprouted from Barcelona’s youth academy, La Masia.

Alejandro Balde is one of the recent success stories, having stormed his way into the starting XI last season to usurp the starting left-back slot from Jordi Alba.

Owing to his immense contributions, the club was keen to tie him down to the club, and an agreement was thus reached to extend his contract until June 30, 2028, with a termination clause of €1 billion.

While Balde remains an indispensable asset for the Catalan giants, he is also a lucrative option with the potential to bring in great funds.

Balde amassing interest

Indeed, according to SPORT, Balde’s agent, Jorge Mendes, remarked during the contract negotiations that if they needed revenue, the full-back could be a valuable asset to study.

While a sale is not a possibility at this time, Barça are aware of one Premier League team in particular that is prepared to pay an absurd amount of money for the player.

Before extending his contract, Manchester City were rumoured to be vying for the Spaniard’s signature, as Pep Guardiola’s side were willing to make a bid or even offer a player as part of an exchange deal for Balde.

The Cityzens were met with a negative response, but with Barcelona’s current financial position, their tone towards suitors may begin to deviate.

Barcelona may bite the bullet

Strapped for cash, the Blaugranes are acutely aware of the financial sacrifices they must make to regain some footing.

Balde is one of the most promising young talents in world football, but Barça next summer will potentially have to sell one of their top assets to improve their finances, and Balde may be the one facing the axe.

Although Balde is still a starter, the full-back’s performances have begun to waver, with his offensive contributions particularly decreasing, leading to concerns at Barcelona about the youngster.

At the moment, both parties wish to achieve success together, and Balde is keen on leaving a mark at his boyhood club.

Nonetheless, alternatives are being studied, and the interest from Premier League heavyweights will be taken into account.