Aston Villa have flatly dismissed claims that they plan to splash €60m on Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde this summer. Sources close to the club have completely ruled out a move for the 22-year-old. The update, confirmed by Sport Witness, draws a firm line under weeks of speculation linking Unai Emery’s side to the highly-rated defender. Balde is under contract at the Camp Nou until 2028 with a €1 billion release clause, though Transfermarkt currently values him at €55m.
Why did the rumours gather pace?
The noise started building in late March. Sport Witness first reported on 26 March that Villa, Manchester City, and Manchester United had all reached out to Barcelona about a potential summer deal. On paper, Balde’s profile made the interest easy to believe. He sits in the 97th percentile for defensive duels won and the 89th percentile for progressive carries this season, exactly the kind of traits that appeal to teams chasing Champions League football. Hansi Flick has made him his go-to left-back, with the Spaniard racking up 36 appearances this term despite two separate injury spells. His La Liga stats are fine, too, with 22 appearances, 19 starts, and 1,583 minutes on the pitch.
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What did Aston Villa actually say?
Club insiders have played down the talk of an approach, as Villa feel they already have plenty of depth at left-back. Emery relies on Lucas Digne as his primary option, with 24-year-old Ian Maatsen providing reliable cover behind the veteran Frenchman. In Villa’s eyes, that duo has the position well-handled for the time being. Meanwhile, Barcelona aren’t exactly pushing Balde out the door, though they might listen if an offer hits the right numbers. As for the player himself, he’s shown no desire to leave his boyhood club.
Does Aston Villa’s current left-back situation genuinely make a player like Balde unnecessary?
BARCELONA, SPAIN – FEBRUARY 07: Alejandro Balde of FC Barcelona is challenged by Pablo Maffeo of RCD Mallorca during the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and RCD Mallorca at Spotify Camp Nou on February 07, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)
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I honestly feel yes, at least for this summer. Digne is still a dependable presence, and while Maatsen has been a bit up-and-down this season, he still brings plenty of youth and energy to the squad. Spending nearly €60m on a position that’s already working well doesn’t fit the calculated transfer strategy Emery has established at Villa Park. With Balde’s future reportedly sitting third on Jorge Mendes’ priority list at Barça, the timing just doesn’t align with Aston Villa’s current plans. They are better off putting that money toward areas of the pitch that actually need a fix.