Barcelona’s three-pronged plan if star defender leaves the club this summer

As we approach the final week of the summer transfer window, Alejandro Balde has found himself in the midst of intense speculation over his future.

A string of clubs have enquired about the availability of the Spanish left-back, who has fallen behind Joao Cancelo in the pecking order.

Although Balde, for his part, is keen on staying at Barcelona, he has accepted his fate and it won’t be surprising to see Barcelona cashing in if they receive the desired fee.

In the event Barcelona do end up selling Balde, sporting director Deco has set up three possible plans to rejig the club’s backline, as reported by Diario SPORT.

Cancelo is the first-choice left-back for Barcelona. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)

Deco’s first order of operation will be to find a direct replacement for Balde – someone who can come in and serve as an alternative for Cancelo.

Since Cancelo is already a guaranteed starter, Barcelona do not necessarily need to find someone who is a proven individual.

They can afford to sign a low-cost and possibly younger alternative who can be mentored into the role.

Another potential order of operation could be to shift Gerard Martin back into his original left-back role. He can, therefore, serve as the alternative to Cancelo.

Martin has found a lot of success at centre-back and he is currently the club’s only proven left-footed option in central defence.

But by moving him into a left-back role and selling Balde at the same time, Barcelona can afford to bring in a new centre-back.

Flick has been impressed by the performances of Pesquer. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Another option Barcelona have is to simply rely on the young Jordi Pesquer.

The report points out that the young 17-year-old talent has impressed Hansi Flick during the pre-season and he could be an intruiguing choice to serve as a potential first-team option for Barcelona, should Balde leave.

Promoting Pesquer could see Barcelona save a lot of money, all of which can go to signing a new centre-back who can be better suited as a partner for Pau Cubarsi.