Hansi Flick excludes Alejandro Balde from Barcelona opener against Elche

Omission from the opening fixture

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick excluded 22-year-old left-back Alejandro Balde from the 23-man squad for the opening La Liga match against Elche at the Estadio Martínez Valero on 23 August 2026. Flick communicated the decision directly to Balde on Sunday morning, instructing the defender to remain in Barcelona rather than travel with the team for the 21:30 kickoff.

I spoke with Alejandro Balde this morning. I told him that he is not at one hundred percent, that it is better for him to stay home, and that we will talk.

In place of Balde, Flick deployed youth player Xavi Espart at left-back, despite Espart being a midfielder reconverted to right-back. Espart contributed to Barcelona's opening goal through his pressing and later assisted Fermín López for the team's fifth goal in the victory. Flick praised Espart after the match, highlighting his defensive intensity and form alongside 17-year-old defender Jordi Pesquer.

Disagreements over commitment

The exclusion followed remarks made by Flick during his pre-match press conference on Saturday, 22 August, where the manager openly questioned Balde's competitive focus and training intensity. Flick reiterated that every squad member must demonstrate complete dedication to secure a place in the lineup.

I have not told Balde to leave. I spoke with him this morning, I told him to think and that tomorrow we speak again.

People close to Balde stated that the defender had rejected external proposals earlier in the summer with the intention of remaining at the club. The player's camp expressed frustration that Flick raised doubts over his standing only one week before the summer transfer window closes on 1 September. Balde, who came through the academy and holds a contract running until 2028, had previously started in the Joan Gamper Trophy match before losing his spot in the starting eleven.

Squad restructuring and defensive depth

Flick has initiated several roster adjustments across the defensive line and midfield. Marc Casadó was excluded from the matchday squad and has trained separately alongside other players designated for transfer. Defender Héctor Fort was also omitted from the travelling group. Midfielder Rodri Hernández was left out due to a lack of competitive rhythm following the post-World Cup break, while winger Jesse Bisiwu missed out because of pending administrative registration with La Liga.

In the defensive rotation, Jules Koundé was named among the substitutes as a backup right-back behind Eric Garcia and as an alternative at centre-back. Flick has also relied on Pau Cubarsí, Andreas Christensen, and Gerard Martín, while João Cancelo finalized a contract on Tuesday running through 2029.

Transfer window negotiations

Balde met with his representative, Jorge Mendes, on Friday, 21 August, at the Hotel Torre Melina in Barcelona. During the meeting, Mendes presented interest from Manchester United and other Premier League clubs. Although Balde initially preferred to stay at Barcelona, the technical decision by Flick has prompted discussions regarding a potential transfer before the window closes.

Barcelona's management is not pursuing central defenders such as Gonçalo Inácio of Sporting CP or Castello Lukeba of RB Leipzig, as Flick does not consider that position a recruitment priority. Flick and Balde scheduled an additional private meeting for Monday, 24 August, to determine the defender's future.