Alejandro Balde has extended his contract with FC Barcelona until mid-2028, the Catalan superpower announced through official channels. The nineteen-year-old left back, who has played for Barça since he was six, had an expiring contract at the Spotify Camp Nou. The six-time Spain international insisted on continuing to play in his hometown and was able to sign a significantly improved contract with his childhood sweetheart.
Balde is happy that his future lies in Barcelona, as he wants to develop further in the coming years. “I’m only nineteen years old and I still have a lot to improve and learn. In five years I will still be only 24 years old. I hope to play here for many years to come,” said the left back, who made his debut under Ronald Koeman in 2021 at the age of seventeen. Barcelona believes Balde can become the new Jordi Alba and has included a buyout clause of one billion euros in his contract.
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— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) September 20, 2023
In Spain people are no longer surprised by high buyout clauses. Barcelona star Gavi has the same agreement in his contract. It is expected that Barcelona will also announce the contract extension of Lamine Yamal in the short term. The top talent, who has only just turned sixteen, also has an expiring contract, but wants to commit to Barça for seven years. Yamal, Gavi and Balde are the only teenagers in the Barcelona squad who are regularly used by Xavi. Next month Balde will celebrate his twentieth birthday.
Balde, who has a starting position under Xavi this season, currently has 56 official appearances for Barcelona. The left foot scored 1 goal and 7 assists. Transfer market estimates his current market value at 50 million euros, which means he currently only has to tolerate three left backs in front of him in that area. According to the German website, only Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich), Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain) and Théo Hernandez (AC Milan) are worth more than the Spaniard.