Barcelona could be preparing for three significant departures after Alejandro Balde, Marc Casadó and Héctor Fort were left out of Hansi Flick’s squad for the club’s 5-0 LaLiga victory over Elche.
All three remain Barcelona players, but their omission has intensified reports that they could leave before the summer transfer window closes. The club is reportedly willing to consider suitable proposals as Flick reshapes his squad for the 2026/27 season.
Balde has attracted reported interest from Manchester United and other European clubs, while Casadó and Fort are also assessing their options. However, Barcelona have not officially confirmed an agreement for any of the three players.
Why Were Balde, Casadó and Fort Left Out?
Barcelona travelled to Elche with several new and academy players included in the matchday squad, but Balde, Casadó and Fort were among the notable absentees.
Their omission was not presented as confirmation that transfer agreements had been completed. It did, however, raise questions about their positions in Flick’s plans.
According to Europa Press, none of the three players was selected for the trip to Elche. Barcelona’s official first-team page still lists Balde, Casadó and Fort as members of the squad, meaning their futures remain unresolved until the club announces otherwise.
The coming days could therefore be decisive for all three players.
Alejandro Balde Linked with Manchester United Move
Balde’s omission was the biggest surprise.
The Spanish left-back has been an important first-team player and remains one of Barcelona’s most talented academy graduates. His speed, ability to carry the ball and attacking movement have made him a valuable option on the left.
However, competition for defensive positions has increased following João Cancelo’s return. Gerard Martín and emerging academy players can also operate at left-back, potentially reducing Balde’s expected playing time.
Flick explained that Balde was not fully focused and needed time to consider his situation. The coach subsequently clarified that he had not instructed the defender to leave, leaving open the possibility that Balde could remain at Barcelona.
Manchester United have reportedly contacted Balde’s representatives to understand the conditions of a potential transfer. The Premier League club could view him as a long-term option at left-back, but any deal would depend on Barcelona’s asking price, the player’s decision and the personal terms available.
No official bid or agreement has been announced.
Would Balde Be a Good Signing for Manchester United?
Balde could offer Manchester United pace, youth and attacking quality from the left side.
He is comfortable carrying the ball through pressure and can overlap or move into more central positions. At 22, he also has time to develop further and could become a long-term solution rather than a short-term addition.
There would still be risks. His injury history, defensive consistency and adaptation to the physical demands of the Premier League would require careful assessment.
Barcelona are also unlikely to sanction a transfer without receiving a suitable fee. With several clubs reportedly monitoring the situation, the Catalan side may wait to see whether interest develops into a strong formal offer.
Marc Casadó Could Seek Regular Football Elsewhere
Casadó’s position is also attracting attention as Barcelona manage an increasingly competitive midfield.
The academy graduate is valued for his tactical awareness, defensive discipline and passing ability. He can protect the defence, circulate possession and help Barcelona play through opposition pressure.
However, Flick has several midfield options competing for minutes. Pedri, Gavi, Fermín López, Dani Olmo and Marc Bernal are among the players available in central areas.
Casadó may therefore consider leaving if another club can offer him a more consistent starting role. Barcelona could prefer a permanent transfer if a satisfactory bid arrives, although a move should not be treated as completed until confirmed by the club.
For the player, the priority will likely be joining a team where his development and playing time are protected.
Héctor Fort’s Barcelona Future Remains Uncertain
Fort is another La Masia graduate facing an uncertain future.
The young defender can play at right-back and has demonstrated his potential in senior football. However, competition from experienced and versatile defenders could restrict his opportunities this season.
A permanent transfer or another loan could give Fort the regular minutes needed at this stage of his career. Barcelona must decide whether to retain long-term control over his future or accept a suitable offer.
His age and potential should attract interest from clubs searching for a modern full-back. Any proposed move will depend on the transfer structure, playing-time assurances and Barcelona’s valuation.
What the Possible Departures Mean for Barcelona
Selling Balde, Casadó and Fort could help Barcelona reduce the size of their squad and create additional financial flexibility.
It would also represent another major change to the club’s home-grown core. All three developed within Barcelona’s academy structure, and their departures would reduce the number of La Masia graduates available to Flick.
From a sporting perspective, Barcelona must balance immediate squad needs with the long-term value of young players. Selling a talented academy graduate can generate important income because there is usually little or no transfer cost to deduct from the fee. However, the club also risks losing a player who could become more valuable in the future.
The strength of any offer will therefore matter. Barcelona must consider the fee, payment structure, possible add-ons and whether to include a buy-back clause or percentage of a future sale.
What Happens Next?
The three situations remain open as the transfer window approaches its conclusion.
Manchester United’s reported interest makes Balde the most prominent case, but no deal is guaranteed. Casadó and Fort will also wait for proposals that provide the right combination of sporting opportunity and financial terms.
Barcelona could still reintegrate any of the players if suitable offers do not arrive. A matchday omission indicates uncertainty, but it does not automatically mean a transfer is complete.
Until Barcelona or another club publishes an official announcement, reports of their departures should be treated as developing transfer news rather than confirmed deals.
