Earlier this season, Barcelona were linked with a surprise move for Bayern Munich left-back Alphonso Davies, who is out of contract next summer. That opportunity seems to have eluded them, but the Blaugrana plan to opt for a left back sooner or later.
According to Diario AS, their finances are unlikely to allow this to happen in the January transfer window, but bringing in a defensively solid left-back is a priority. Although Barcelona's sports department appreciates Alejandro Balde and his attacking qualities, they have doubts about his defensive abilities and his concentration without the ball. They are especially worried about him during big games.
While Gerard Martin has put in an admirable effort this season and Hector Fort is rated as a talented footballer, the Blaugrana believe the latter is better with the ball than without it, just like Balde. Likewise, they don't believe Alex Valle, who is impressing on loan at Celtic, is the answer.
Left back has been a problem position at Barcelona for some time. Despite seemingly making himself his own during Xavi Hernandez's second season, Balde has not made dramatic starts since. Even before that, Jordi Alba was an attacking weapon, but an area that opposition managers would attack with the ball.
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