Alejandro Balde left out of Barcelona squad for La Liga opener against Elche

Alejandro Balde left-back of Barcelona and Spain during the Joan Gamper Trophy between FC Barcelona and Al Ahly SC at Spotify Camp Nou on August 19, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images

Alejandro Balde has been left out of the Barcelona’s squad for Sunday’s La Liga clash against Elche and looks increasingly like he’s heading for an exit before the close of the transfer window.

Reports yesterday claimed that Balde has decided to move on after fresh talks between the club and his agent Jorge Mendes.

Barcelona boss Hansi Flick now seems to have made it pretty clear there’s no place at Barca for Balde this season, with the left-back not part of the travelling squad for the trip to Elche. There’s no injury for Balde, it’s simply a tactical decision.

📋 The squad for our first league game!
✈️ #ElcheBarçapic.twitter.com/7lWCekrM6W

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 23, 2026

Manchester United, Aston Villa and Benfica have all been linked with Balde in the last week as the youngster looks to find a new club for the 2026-27 season.

Meanwhile, Jordi Pesquer has been named in the squad for the game against Elche, while Joao Cancelo also gets the nod after completing his permanent transfer from Al-Hilal.