Balde determined to stay at Barcelona despite playing just 12 minutes

📰 Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde has played just 12 minutes this season but remains set on staying, despite the club's wish to sell in January, according to Spain's Marca. 📌 Key points ⏱️ Balde has played only 12 minutes of La Liga football this season. 🧢 Hansi Flick is preferring Gerard Martin and Joao Cancelo. 🚫 Balde turned down every offer that came in last summer. 💰 The club hope a January sale can fund winter signings. 🗓️ His contract runs until June 2028. 📝 What happened ⏱️ According to GOAL, Balde's only action this season was a 12-minute substitute appearance against Racing at Camp Nou. He was left out of the squad for the opener against Elche and has missed six league games since, as well as the Champions League trip to Feyenoord. 🧢 Flick has been using Gerard Martin and Joao Cancelo at left-back. GOAL reported that the coach believes Balde can contribute, but currently rates his rivals' physical condition more highly. 🚫 Manchester United, Manchester City, Benfica and Aston Villa showed interest last summer, but Balde rejected every offer. According to Marca, he believes chances will come over a long season and is not considering a January move. 💰 The club, however, value him at around €60m and would like to sell to fund winter reinforcements and cut the wage bill. They accept that persuading him will be difficult and plan to reassess in January. 📊 By the numbers • Minutes this season: 12 (as a substitute v Racing) • Barcelona appearances: 169 • Club valuation: around €60m (GOAL) • Contract expires: June 2028 🔭 Why it matters The 22-year-old academy product was once a regular starter but has seen his role shrink sharply. With Barcelona's finances still tight, his fee could be key to any winter business, so the gap between player and club is a real factor ahead of the January window. Barcelona return after the break at home to Getafe on 10 October. Whether Balde can force his way back into contention from there is the question.