- On Monday evening, Barcelona president Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco began an informal dinner meeting in Barcelona with Jorge Mendes
- Lamine Yamal and Alejandro Balde were described as the protagonists of the discussions, according to Carlos Monfort of Diario Sport
- Manchester United remain keen on a January left-back signing, while Liverpool are now reported to be ‘in the picture’ for Balde
Barcelona Continue Squad Planning After Perfect Start
Barcelona’s strong early-season form has not slowed work behind the scenes at the Ciutat Esportiva, where the club continue to assess both potential departures and possible additions to Hansi Flick’s squad.
The La Liga champions have opened the new campaign in emphatic fashion, recording six wins from six across all competitions. That run has already strengthened the view that the Blaugrana are clear favourites to retain their La Liga title, while Flick’s side are also being tipped for a deep Champions League run.
Even with performances on the pitch looking close to unstoppable, the club’s hierarchy are still active in reviewing the shape of the squad. On Monday evening, that process included a meeting with one of football’s most influential agents, Jorge Mendes.
🚨👀 Réunion en cours entre Jorge Mendes, Laporta et Deco. . @monfortcarlos pic.twitter.com/0a3hi2RasR
— Blaugranation (@Blaugranation_) September 14, 2026
Laporta, Deco and Mendes Meet in Barcelona
According to Diario Sport, a Barcelona delegation held talks with Mendes in Catalunya’s capital. Barca insider Carlos Monfort reported that president Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco had started dinner with the Portuguese superagent, with Lamine Yamal and Alejandro Balde central to the conversation.
Balde Interest Builds Ahead of January
Alejandro Balde’s future has become a growing focus amid reports in Spain that Manchester United remain determined to recruit a new left-back in January. However, Liverpool could now complicate those plans by moving into contention for the Barcelona defender.
Michael Carrick’s side were keen to sign Balde on an initial loan deal, but Barcelona were only prepared to approve a permanent departure. As a result, no agreement was reached.
According to Spanish outlet Sport, Liverpool are now ‘in the picture’ to sign the lightning quick Barcelona player in January. The 22-year-old has played zero minutes so far this season, fuelling speculation that he could leave the Camp Nou this winter.
Barcelona are said to value Balde at €40 million. If Liverpool show a willingness to pay that fee, they are considered to have a strong chance of taking the youngster to Anfield.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Balde’s situation remains ‘one to watch’, and will likely depend on whether he can force his way back into Hansi Flick’s plans at Barcelona.
Key Names and Reported Transfer Context
| Subject | Reported detail |
|---|---|
| Barcelona meeting | Joan Laporta and Deco began an informal dinner meeting in Barcelona with Jorge Mendes on Monday evening. |
| Main protagonists | Lamine Yamal and Alejandro Balde were described as the protagonists of the meeting. |
| Barcelona form | The club have recorded six wins from six across all competitions. |
| Alejandro Balde | The 22-year-old has played zero minutes so far this season. |
| Manchester United interest | Michael Carrick’s side were keen on an initial loan deal, but Barcelona only wanted to sanction a permanent exit. |
| Liverpool interest | Liverpool are now ‘in the picture’ to sign Balde in January. |
| Valuation | Barcelona are said to value Balde at €40 million. |
What Comes Next
The meeting with Mendes underlines that Barcelona are still working through important squad matters despite their flawless start under Flick. Balde’s lack of minutes has made his role one of the key storylines to monitor, particularly with both Manchester United and Liverpool linked with January interest.
