The left-back has struggled to secure a consistent role this season and is understood to be increasingly aware that he may not have a guaranteed place in the team. His situation was discussed by Italian journalist Matteo Moretto on Radio MARCA's La Pizarra de Quintana.
“Balde could leave Barça in January and he is more open to leaving. He knows clearly that he is not going to have a fixed place in the squad, he is not getting minutes or prominence. The player is thinking about it more,” Moretto said.
The comments suggest that the 23-year-old is beginning to consider his options, although a move to Italy is far from straightforward.
AS Roma have been linked with Balde, but Moretto played down the possibility of the Serie A club making him a priority. The Italian side have other positions they want to strengthen before considering a move for a defender.
“Balde was linked to an Italian club, which is Roma, and I know them very well. Roma have other priorities,” he explained.
“Roma's priority is to sign forwards, not defenders.”
That leaves Balde's potential departure dependent on whether another club is prepared to make a move and whether Barcelona are willing to consider an offer.
The defender has been part of the first-team setup since progressing through La Masia and has established himself as an important option on the left side. However, his current lack of prominence has created uncertainty at a time when the January market is approaching.
Roma's reported interest had raised the possibility of a move to Serie A, but their immediate recruitment plans appear to lie elsewhere. Moretto's comments indicate that the Italian club are concentrating on attacking additions rather than pursuing Barcelona's full-back.
For Balde, the central issue remains his role at the Camp Nou. He is now more open to considering a change, but Roma's priorities mean that a potential transfer cannot be taken for granted.