Barcelona will explore Premier League and La Liga markets for a new player on loan – Romero

Alejandro Balde’s injury is the latest blow on Xavi’s sinking ship at Barcelona. The team’s real downfall began after Gavi was ruled out for the season with an ACL injury, and it now appears that the club have lost their second player for the rest of the campaign.

The Spanish left-back was forced to leave the field midway through the first half of the team’s recent Copa del Rey clash against Athletic Club with an injury to his hamstring.

Subsequent tests revealed an injury to the tendon, leaving him with surgery as the best option.

With the left-back set to be out for more than four months, it provides the club with a chance to sign a short-term replacement until the end of the season as long as the incoming player’s wages are less than or equal to 80% of Balde’s.

Eyes on the market

According to reports from Gerard Romero, Xavi & co. see Balde’s absence to be a huge blow to the team’s plans. However, it could indirectly favour their cause in terms of a new recruitment.

As revealed by the Spanish journalist, Barça are now planning to rope in a new player on loan before the winter market shuts.

Balde’s injury and unavailability this season provides them breathing space on the FFP front and opens the door for a new signing.

Barcelona have been without a high-quality holding midfielder for a long time now with Oriol Romeu’s hiring not working out the way many hoped. Xavi has thus been crying out for a new signing, but FFP did not permit Barcelona any leeway.

An option from the Premier League and one from La Liga are being considered, and it is likely that the position prioritised is the midfield and not left-back.

In-house solutions at left-back

Balde’s injury does leave a void in Barcelona’s plans, but the administration are understandably not panicking over the same.

Hector Fort has impressed the manager in recent games, and despite being a right-back by trade, is a top option to replace Balde. Further, Marcos Alonso is expected to return to action in a month, further adding to Xavi’s arsenal.

Barcelona also have Joao Cancelo to play as an emergency left-back based on need and are thus not in dire need of a new signing.

Focusing on the larger problem and recruiting a new name in midfield would thus appear to be the more practical option.