Alejandro Balde’s exultant youth is evident in the act of his renewal for Barcelona. He has signed until 2028. “Then I will be 24 years old, I will still be young. So I hope to continue at Barça for many more years,” predicts the left-back, who turns 20 next month, and is already the owner of the left wing of Xavi’s team.
Balde, born in Barcelona, ??proud to be from La Verneda, of Dominican and Guinean origins, entered the club as a child, in the youngest category and has risen to the first team. “In the end I have been at the club for 13 years. All I have are good memories. At 6 years old, I dreamed of making it to the first team. I had it in my mind but you find it difficult because it is a very long road. Not all children can fulfill it,” he reasoned about his career.
For his family, it was an important day and Balde was accompanied by his parents, Saliu and Gledys, and brother, Edi, but also by his nephew, the youngest of the family, and his grandmother, who had arrived from the Dominican Republic to see his grandson to sign as a professional.
According to president Joan Laporta, the defender “has Barcelona in his veins.” “He is a homegrown boy who succeeds. We have another Catalan in the squad,” explained the president, who wanted to thank him for his commitment and loyalty. Laporta also had kind words for agent Jorge Mendes, present at the signing ceremony. “I thank you very much that, apart from defending the interests of your client, you always keep the interests of Barça in mind. “Sometimes, making some sacrifices,” he dedicated to her.
Laporta was very satisfied with the start of the season and the team created, and assured that sporting performance will be key to the club’s economic recovery. “Having a competitive squad helps a lot. We have made efforts from the board to be able to register all the players. We think it’s worth it. The club will be financially recovered sooner than anticipated in the strategic plan,” he promised.
One of the secrets of that squad is that Barcelona does not stop finding young talents. In 2019-20, Ansu Fati broke all precocity records with his goals. The Canarian Pedri surprised in the summer 2020 preseason and became a permanent fixture. In 21-22, a year later, it was Gavi who broke down the door of the first team. Last year, Balde appeared to take over the left wing despite the presence of Alba and Marcos Alonso. This is Lamine Yamal’s turn.
Balde, who doubles the clause he had in the reserve team up to 1,000 million and who will wear Piqué’s number 3, whom he defined as a legend, also praised “the incredible talent” of the squad. “I hope to continue contributing as before or better. My main objective is to continue learning.” Youth accompanies him.
