Few, long lives and if it can be from home. The owners of the left side of Barcelona's defense in the last three decades can be counted on the fingers of one hand. After Sergi's nine seasons, came Van Bronckhorst's four seasons, followed by Abidal's five and Jordi Alba was in charge for eleven years. Now comes the time of Alejandro Balde, with whom Barcelona think they have found a new owner. So much so that he has not hesitated to renew the left back until 2028. He is the first field player to extend his contract this far.
The exultant youth of Balde was evident in the act of renewal. He has signed for the next five seasons, but the player hardly flinches. "Then I will be 24 years old, I will still be young. In other words, I hope to continue for many more years at Barça", predicts the full-back, who turns 20 next month.
Born in Barcelona, of Dominican and Guinean origins and proud of his neighborhood - "he is the hero of the Verneda", Laporta defined him -, he joined the club as a child, in the Benjamin category, and has climbed to the first team "I have been at the club for 13 years. All I have are good memories. When I was 6 years old I dreamed of reaching the first team, I had it in my head but you see it is difficult because it is a very long road. Not all children can fulfill it", he traced his career.
It was an important day for the Baldes and the footballer was accompanied by his parents, Saliu and Gledys, and brother, Edi, but also by his nephew, the youngest in the family, and his grandmother, who arrived from the Dominican Republic to see his net sign as a professional. Aided by a wheelchair, she didn't want to miss the moment. And he even went onto the lawn for pictures.
The president Joan Laporta was very satisfied with the start of the season and the prepared team, which can accelerate the financial recovery of the club. “Having a competitive squad helps a lot. We have made efforts from the board to be able to register all the players because we think it is worth it. The club will be financially recovered earlier than planned in the strategic plan", he promised. The president also thanked Jorge Mendes, present at the event, for his recent services: the arrivals of Cancelo and João Félix and the renewal of Balde. "I thank you very much that, apart from defending the interests of your representative, you always have Barça's interests in mind".
One of the secrets of the squad is that Barcelona keeps finding young talents. In the 2019-2020 season Ansu Fati broke all records for early goals. The canary Pedri surprised the summer of 2020 and became a fixture. In the 2021-2022 season it was Gavi who knocked down the door to the first team. Last season, Balde appeared to dominate the left side despite the presence of Alba and Marcos Alonso. This is Lamine Yamal's turn. By the way, the next one that will renew.
Balde, who doubles the clause he had at the subsidiary up to 1,000 million, already wears Piqué's 3 and while running the wing wants to progress with the team. "I hope to be able to continue to contribute as much as until now or more. My main goal is to continue learning." Youth accompanies him.
