Milan could revive interest in Barcelona's Balde after Saelemaekers and Estupiñán injuries
Quick summary
AC Milan are considering reigniting their pursuit of Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde following injuries to Alexis Saelemaekers and Estupiñán, which have left the Rossoneri short in defensive areas.
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Attributed to original sourceMilan could renew their interest in Alejandro Balde in January, with injuries to Pervis Estupiñán and Alexis Saelemaekers leaving Ruben Amorim short of options out wide.
According to Calciomercato.com , the Barcelona wing-back’s situation is being monitored closely after he slipped out of Hansi Flick’s plans.
Balde has played just 12 minutes this season, coming off the bench against Racing Santander with the result long decided. He has fallen behind João Cancelo and even Xavi Espart, a natural right-back.
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 08: Pervis Estupinan of AC Milan celebrates after scoring their team’s team’s first goal during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Inter at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 08, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) Milan weigh January move for Balde Mundo Deportivo reports that Barcelona would be open to selling in the winter window and would use the money to sign a centre-back, with Andreas Christensen injured.
The Rossoneri have already had one chance to sign him. Agent Jorge Mendes offered Balde to the Rossoneri in late August, shortly after Diego Moreira’s arrival. The club turned him down because of the €40m asking price and because their priorities were a centre-back and an attacking midfielder.
A lower fee or a more flexible deal structure could change that, especially with Balde’s contract running only until June 2028.
There would be competition for his signature, however. Juventus want to give Luciano Spalletti the left-back he asked for in the summer, while Manchester United, who pursued Balde at length before the window closed, are expected to return.
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What happened
Milan's squad depth on the left flank has been hit by injuries to Saelemaekers and Estupiñán, prompting the club to explore the market for reinforcements. Alejandro Balde of Barcelona has emerged as a potential target, with reports suggesting Milan could revive their previous interest in the Spanish full-back. The move would address Milan's defensive shortage while giving Balde a potential exit route from a Barcelona side where minutes may be limited. No formal negotiations have been confirmed at this stage.
Chance analysis
Milan's pivot toward Balde is a reactive transfer move driven by necessity rather than long-term planning. Losing two options in the same position in quick succession forces the recruitment department to act, and Balde's profile — young, technically gifted, and already La Liga-tested — fits the kind of versatile full-back Milan have favoured in recent windows. The stumbling block, as always with Barcelona targets, is finances; even a loan with option would require creative structuring. For Balde, a move could offer the regular minutes his development needs, but only if both clubs can find a framework that works under their respective wage constraints.
If completed, Balde would bolster Milan's depleted left-back options and provide cover for the injured duo, while a potential move could reduce Balde's playing time at Barcelona.