A fresh insight into the efforts of the powers that be at Spanish giants Barcelona to tie Alejandro Balde down to a new contract has been provided late on Sunday.
The name of defender Balde has of course been cast firmly back into the spotlight over the course of the last week.
This comes after Luis Enrique opted to hand the 19-year-old a shock call-up to the Spanish national team squad for the World Cup, on the back of an injury suffered by Valencia star Jose Gaya.
Balde, in turn, went on to make his La Roja bow on Wednesday, en route to Spain’s seven-goal drubbing of minnows Costa Rica.
This was followed by a further appearance earlier this evening, off the bench in his country’s crunch showdown with Germany.
🔁 Cambio en la @Sefutbol:
🔺ENTRA | Alejandro Balde
🔻SALE | @JordiAlba #ESP 🆚 #GER | 1-0 | 82’#VamosEspaña | #Catar2022 pic.twitter.com/zZ8H8m2z37
— Selección Española de Fútbol (@SEFutbol) November 27, 2022
Whilst his emergence on the international stage may have come as a surprise to many, though, one group who have long been aware of the explosive potential possessed in Balde’s twinkling feet are those in a position of power at Barcelona.
In turn, it should not come as much of a surprise to hear of work already taking place behind the scenes at the Camp Nou to tie Balde down for the long-term.
After recently locking down the prodigious Gavi, the Blaugrana now intend to do the same with their starring young defender.
As per a report from transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, a contract proposal is currently being readied, which will see Balde afforded the chance to remain in his home city for the coming five seasons.
The deal in question, as expected, would also feature a considerable pay rise, and hefty release clause.
In fact, Balde could well join the likes of Gavi, Pedri and Ferran Torres in seeing an eye-watering €1 billion clause included in his new terms.
Barcelona proposal to Alejandro Balde for new contract will be a five year deal with an increased salary — also release clause will be discussed. 🚨🔵🔴 #FCB
Potential release clause would be worth €1B, same as Gavi, Pedri, Koundé, Ferran Torres and more. pic.twitter.com/0O3IVUkMJB
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 27, 2022
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