Alejandro Balde signs Barcelona contract extension

Barcelona have confirmed talented full-back Alejandro Balde has signed a contract extension until 2028.

Balde broke into the Barcelona senior team in 2021 and became a key player for Xavi Hernandez's side last season as they won their first La Liga title in four years.

The 19-year-old made 44 appearances in all competitions during the 2022/23 season, bagging seven assists and one goal from left-back. Thanks to his performances, Balde was among the 10 nominees for the 2023 Kopa Trophy.

A club statement announcing the contract extension reads: "FC Barcelona and the player Alejandro Balde have reached an agreement for a new contract which will take the player through to 30 June 2028. The buy out clause is set at €1bn.

"The signing of the new contact for the youth team product will take place on Thursday 21 September at 1.15pm CEST at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper."

Balde started Barcelona's first UEFA Champions League game of the season on Tuesday evening, playing a part in their emphatic 5-0 win over Belgian champions Royal Antwerp by completing 92% of his passes and winning 100% of his ground duals.

He is expected to heavily feature as Barca hope to improve upon what was a disastous European campaign last season. During the 2022/23 campaign, the La Liga giants were shockingly knocked out of the Champions League group stages despite investing heavily in their squad to sign the likes of Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha, and were then knocked out of the Europa League at the first time of asking by Manchester united.

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