Alejandro Balde has started the season on a high note. After almost a gap year due to a serious injury the full-back is enjoying his best form at Barça. Hansi Flick is so faithful in young players that Balde is almost a veteran. But it's not all good news: one of his best friends' days at Barcelona are numbered.
Alejandro Balde assumes that he will leave
Ansu Fati has great friends in the dressing room, such as Alejandro Balde, with whom he maintains a very close relationship. However, this is not enough and he may not have a place at FC Barcelona in the short term. His poor performance and high salary, around 14 million euros gross per year, are worrying the club.
Barça are actively seeking an exit for him, although a sale seems difficult if he doesn't improve his form. At 21, Ansu hasn't recovered his best form after several serious injuries.
Barça manager Hansi Flick is not counting on Ansu Fati in the short term. The German coach was confident that Fati could recover and be important, but he hasn't lived up to expectations. His loan to Brighton didn't help much either, as he barely played and didn't take advantage of opportunities.
Barça know that getting Ansu out will be difficult due to his salary and the lack of interest from other clubs. However, Betis have shown interest in the striker. Manuel Pellegrini's team are looking to strengthen their attack following the departure of Nabil Fekir and the injury of Isco. They are confident that they could recover Ansu's best form, as they did with Isco.
Balde's friend is leaving, a Dembélé-style winger is coming
One option that is gaining strength is an exchange with Ez Abde, a Betis player who is having a great season. Abde is a former Barça player and has been compared by many to Ousmane Dembélé due to his dribbling and powerful shot. Flick likes his profile, as he can be a substitute in difficult games.
Barça could benefit from Fati's departure, alleviating the wage bill and reinforcing their squad with Abde. For their part, Betis would welcome the arrival of Ansu, trusting that Pellegrini will help him recover his best form. This exchange is an interesting option for both clubs and could solve problems for both Barça and Betis.