{
  "id": 2731947,
  "title": "Barcelona’s three-pronged plan if star defender leaves the club this summer",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/23/barcelonas-three-pronged-plan-if-star-defender-leaves-the-club-this",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-23T06:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/barcelona-three-pronged-plan-star-060000741.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Barcelona is preparing for the possibility of losing star defender Alejandro Balde this summer. Balde, a Spanish left-back, has been overshadowed by Joao Cancelo in terms of position. While Balde wishes to remain at Barcelona, he has come to terms with the idea of a potential sale. Sports director Deco has devised three strategies to adjust the team's defense if Balde departs. The first plan involves identifying a direct replacement for Balde, someone capable of playing as a substitute for Cancelo. Deco believes that finding a low-cost, young alternative would be ideal, as Cancelo is already guaranteed a starting position. Gerard Martin could also be considered as a fallback - moving him from a center-back role back to left-back, offering Barcelona an alternative to Cancelo while generating funds for a new center-back. Lastly, Barcelona could rely on young talent Jordi Pesquer. The 17-year-old has impressed coach Hansi Flick during pre-season and could be a viable option for Barcelona if Balde leaves, potentially saving money that could be used to sign a suitable center-back to pair with Pau Cubarsi.",
  "summary": "As we approach the final week of the summer transfer window, Alejandro Balde has found himself in the midst of intense speculation over his future.A string of clubs have enquired about the availabilit...",
  "key_points": [
    "Barcelona plans three defense strategies if Alejandro Balde leaves.",
    "Identify young, low-cost replacement as substitute for Cancelo.",
    "Jordi Pesquer, 17, could be viable option if Balde departs."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}