Barcelona Seeks to Sell Balde for €30M and Sign Inácio Before Transfer Window Closes

FC Barcelona intends to make moves in both directions before the Spanish transfer window closes on September 1st. According to newspaper AS, the Catalan club is looking to sell Alejandro Balde and recruit a centre-back, as the Barcelona hierarchy does not yet consider the squad assembled for the season satisfactory.

Balde, 22, was left out of Barcelona’s trip to Elche (5-0 victory) last Sunday. Manager Hansi Flick justified his absence by citing a lack of form: “I think he’s not at one hundred percent, he’s not here and that’s why I decided to leave him in Barcelona.” The club is demanding a minimum of €30 million for the left-back, who is under contract until June 30, 2028. Manchester United is among the clubs interested.

Balde’s potential departure comes against a tense defensive backdrop. Ronald Araujo’s loan to Liverpool has yet to be replaced, and despite Andreas Christensen’s return from injury, the centre-back pairing rests largely on Jules Koundé, Eric Garcia and young Pau Cubarsí — a trio judged insufficiently experienced for the club’s ambitions.

To address this shortfall, sporting director Deco travelled to Portugal, fuelling speculation around Gonçalo Inácio, Sporting Portugal’s centre-back. His name is said to have landed on Deco’s desk, and his potential signing would result in Gerard Martin being repositioned to the left flank.

The arrivals of Anthony Gordon, Karim Adeyemi, Rodri and Joao Cancelo have already bolstered the squad this summer, but Barcelona’s management appears determined not to let the transfer window close without securing at least one additional defensive reinforcement.