Romano: Barcelona Set €50–60m Price for Balde Last Summer, January Asking Price to Drop

November 7 – Renowned transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has updated his personal podcast, discussing the future of several clubs and players.

Which players should Serie A and other European clubs keep an eye on in the winter window?

First, keep an eye on Barcelona's Alejandro Balde. The left-sided player is currently struggling to secure consistent playing time at the club, but he possesses strong ball-carrying ability and explosive acceleration, and his technical profile suits Serie A's emphasis on wing surges. However, his transfer price tag aligns more with the recruitment standards of top international clubs, not the typical budget range of Serie A sides.

Barcelona set an asking price of €50–60 million in August. Although there is now room for that expectation to be lowered, the cost remains relatively high. His age is a clear advantage, and even without regular minutes, he remains a high-quality asset with significant potential. If Barcelona later soften their conditions, Serie A clubs could look to move. Back in July, his agent Jorge Mendes spoke with AC Milan owner Gerry Cardinale; at the time, Milan envisioned Balde as a reinforcement if Stipe Stupinan left. With Stupinan ultimately staying, that potential deal was shelved.

Another player frequently linked with Serie A clubs is RB Leipzig's Antonio Nusa. Roma did inquire with Leipzig about the feasibility of a transfer during the summer window, but the German club were firm, telling them directly that the player was not for sale — the inquiry lasted only a few minutes. Securing Nusa would require a significant investment, likely exceeding €50 million, a price most Serie A clubs would struggle to afford.

Taking overall cost into account, he is better suited to wealthy overseas clubs, and completing such a deal in the January window would be highly unrealistic. For Serie A clubs, Nusa is undeniably an attractive attacking talent, but the high asking price will be the biggest obstacle standing in the way of any transfer.

Source: YouTube