Alejandro Balde: 'I want to stay at Barcelona for many, many years'

The 19-year-old has been in impressive form for Xavi's side during the 2022-23 campaign, making 25 appearances in all competitions, contributing four assists in the process.

Balde has featured on 18 occasions in La Liga thus term, while he also played in four of his side's six matches in the group stage of the Champions League.

Manchester United are among the clubs to be credited with an interest in the defender, who represented Spain at the 2022 World Cup.

Balde's current deal is due to expire in June 2024, and Barcelona's financial problems led to suggestions that the full-back could potentially leave Camp Nou in the near future.

However, the youngster has revealed that he is determined to sign a new deal at the club.

"Barcelona met with my agent and it's very clear: I want to stay here for many, many years. I joined this club when I was seven and I want to keep going for present and future," he told L'Esportiu.

Meanwhile, speaking ahead of Sunday's La Liga contest with Villarreal, Barcelona boss Xavi confirmed that Balde had told the club that he wants to stay.

"Balde? I have spoken with him today in a one-on-one meeting. We have no problems or nerves. He wants to stay," said Xavi on Saturday afternoon.

Balde's debut for Barcelona came in September 2021, and he has since represented the Catalan giants on 32 occasions in all competitions, contributing four assists in the process.

Towards the end of last year, Barcelona sporting director Jordi Cruyff said that the club were in talks with Balde and his representatives over a new long-term deal.

"We are happy with his development, we have been working on renewing his contract for a long time and the relationship with his agents is perfect. The player is grateful to Barcelona and Barcelona is grateful to him," Cruyff told RAC1 at the time.

Meanwhile, Xavi said last November: "He has great quality and character. It never ceases to amaze me that an 18-year-old can play at that level. Physically he is amazing and he is going to give us a lot."

Balde has been a late substitute in two of Barcelona's last three league matches, last featuring from the first whistle against Real Betis at the start of February.

The Catalan giants will be bidding to make it 11 straight wins in all competitions when they head to Villarreal on Sunday before welcoming Man United for the first leg of their Europa League knockout round playoff.