Aston Villa ready €50m bid for Barcelona's Alejandro Balde
Aston Villa are reportedly prepared to pay up to €50 million to sign Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde this summer, according to Spanish television program El Chiringuito. The Premier League club's interest, as detailed by journalist Jose Alvarez, includes an 'almost irresistible' contract offer for the 22-year-old Spain international. The potential move comes as Barcelona continue to navigate their financial constraints and plan for a crucial transfer window.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick addressed the club's transfer strategy on Tuesday, urging the board to 'avoid stupid decisions' and highlighting the need for a perfect market from Sporting Director Deco and President Joan Laporta. With the Blaugrana aiming to move within their salary limit, significant player sales are seen as a key mechanism to generate funds for new signings. Balde has been frequently mentioned as one of the club's most valuable and marketable assets who could be sacrificed to facilitate squad rebuilding.
Alejandro Balde, a product of Barcelona's La Masia academy, broke into the first team under Xavi Hernandez and quickly established himself as the primary left-back, displacing veteran Jordi Alba. His explosive pace and attacking prowess made him a regular starter prior to a serious hamstring injury suffered in January 2024, which required surgery and kept him out for nearly a year. Since his return, he has faced increased competition for his place and has been in and out of the lineup under Flick.
Should Barcelona accept a substantial offer for Balde, the club already appears to have a replacement plan in place. El Chiringuito's report indicates that Bayer Leverkusen's Alejandro Grimaldo is on Barcelona's shortlist. The former Benfica defender, who also came through La Masia before leaving in 2016, could be available for a relatively modest fee of €10-12 million, with his contract at Leverkusen expiring in 2027. Grimaldo is said to be keen on a return to Spanish football.
The future of current loanee Joao Cancelo also factors into Barcelona's calculations. The club is interested in retaining the Portuguese defender, but not at the €15 million option price set by his parent club, Al-Hilal. Balde's own willingness to leave Barcelona for the Premier League remains an open question, according to the reports. A move to Aston Villa would see him join a project under Unai Emery that has consistently challenged for Champions League qualification and would offer a significant financial package.
