Jorge Mendes holds Barcelona talks over futures of Alejandro Balde and Marc Casado

Jorge Mendes has held separate meetings with Barcelona players Alejandro Balde and Marc Casado as the club considers their futures before the transfer window closes.

The Portuguese agent was in Barcelona to complete Joao Cancelo’s return, with the full-back signing a contract running until 2029 before being officially presented. Mendes spent an hour with sporting director Deco on Friday afternoon, then met Balde and Casado, both of whom he represents, for discussions over their next steps.

Both players have come through Barcelona’s renowned La Masia academy but are believed to have fallen outside head coach Hansi Flick’s plans for the current season.

Balde’s position appears to be the more complicated of the two. The 22-year-old left-back faces increased competition following Cancelo’s return. Cancelo finished last season as Barcelona’s first-choice right-back and was above Balde in the manager’s selection order.

Balde has consistently made clear that remaining at Camp Nou is his top priority. However, the Spain international also recognises that regular first-team football is particularly important at this stage of his career.

Mendes has presented the player with serious interest from several leading European clubs, with Manchester United among those most prominently involved. Balde remains under contract with Barcelona until 2028, but the final decision over whether to stay or seek a move rests with him.

Casado’s situation has become even more pressing, with it increasingly clear that the midfielder is not part of Flick’s plans this season.

The 22-year-old joined Barcelona from Damm at the age of 13 and is also contracted until 2028. He has rejected the possibility of moving to the Saudi Pro League, despite attractive offers from Al Hilal and Al Ahli. On the advice of his family, Casado has chosen to remain in Europe.

AC Milan, Nottingham Forest and Benfica are competing for his signature. Barcelona accept they are unlikely to receive the €40m fee that Saudi clubs could have offered, but the club still expects to secure at least €30m for the midfielder.

That valuation has been influenced by Barcelona’s recent sale of Tommy Marques to Sporting Braga for €11m, with a further €1m available in add-ons. Casado has made 75 appearances for Barcelona’s first team and has also completed a full international match.

The meetings underline Mendes’ changing role in Barcelona’s transfer business. He initially travelled to the city to facilitate a major signing in Cancelo, but his visit has also become focused on resolving the futures of two academy graduates whose opportunities have become uncertain under Flick.

Readers can discuss these developments and other football news in greater depth on the Kooora forums.