According to Mundo Deportivo, Jorge Mendes used a day and a half in Barcelona from Thursday afternoon to Friday evening, during João Cancelo's presentation, to streamline his schedule and exchange transfer market information with Barcelona players he represents, including Marc Casado and Alejandro Balde.

The Portuguese agent met yesterday with midfielder Casado (22), who has accepted the reality that he will leave and must choose between offers from Europe and Saudi Arabia. He also met with left-back Balde (22). As for Balde, everything remains open, although the Barcelona player's initial preference is to stay at Barça.

Everyone, including Barça's defender himself, is well aware that João Cancelo's return on a three-year contract, despite being 32 years old, fully reflects Hansi Flick's intentions regarding player selection. At the end of last season, the German coach had made the Portuguese player his primary left-back, ahead of Balde. Balde was affected by a groin injury in July, which disrupted his pre-season preparations. This also prevented him from being in optimal condition for Flick's assessment during summer friendlies.

With less than a week and a half until the transfer window closes at midnight on Tuesday, September 1, Balde's style of play has attracted particular attention from the Premier League, with Manchester United under Michael Carrick among the interested clubs. The left side of Old Trafford currently has 31-year-old veteran Luke Shaw, while 19-year-old academy product Harry Amass has emerged this summer after performing well during his loan spell at Norwich in the English Championship.

Of course, most squads are largely settled at this stage, and it is not easy to make significant investments in players like Balde late in the transfer window. Balde has made 168 appearances for Barça since September 2021 and has won three La Liga titles with the club. For now, the academy product has no strong desire to leave and hopes to change the situation.

It would be different if, after the first three matches, Flick clarifies his role for the season. His contract runs until 2028. If a substantial offer comes in, Barça will not hesitate to sell him.

Diterjemahkan oleh AI.

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