Ronald Koeman is reportedly planning to promote Barcelona B left-back Alejandro Balde to the first-team squad as back-up to Jordi Alba if Junior Firpo departs in January.
The 17-year-old is plastered all over the front page of Sport on Thursday with a report that he could be part of Koeman’s plans for 2021.
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Barcelona are apparently already “convinced” that Balde has what it takes to be a “top-level player” and promoting the youngster also means they won’t have to sign a replacement.
Balde hasn’t actually played yet this season for Barca B because he was ruled out for six weeks after picking up an ankle ligament injury in their final pre-season game in October.