According to Mundo Deportivo, Manchester City are weighing up a bid in the region of €70 million for the Spain international — a figure that would exceed Barcelona's internal valuation of approximately €50 million for the defender.
The situation around Balde has shifted significantly over the course of the season. Once regarded as an untouchable fixture in Hansi Flick's defensive plans, the left-back lost his guaranteed starting status following the January arrival of João Cancelo on loan from Al-Hilal. Barcelona are now eager to sign Cancelo permanently, and with Marc Cucurella of Chelsea identified as another left-sided option in the summer window, there is no longer a clear space for Balde in the club's long-term plans.
Balde, who is contracted until June 2028 and represented by super-agent Jorge Mendes, made 42 appearances in all competitions for Barcelona this season despite his reduced standing. In total he has played 168 times for the club since breaking into the first team.
Barcelona's interest in selling him is not driven by dissatisfaction with the player — it is driven by money. The club's financial situation remains constrained by LaLiga's salary cap regulations, and a sale would generate clean profit on an academy product.
Manchester City are not alone in tracking the situation. Manchester United and Aston Villa have both registered interest according to multiple English and Spanish outlets. United view Balde as a long-term successor to Luke Shaw; Villa are prepared to bid close to €60 million. However, the Spanish source article points to City as the club actively preparing an offer, with their pursuit of Elliot Anderson and Sandro Tonali also confirmed as midfield priorities for the window.
Barcelona are yet to receive any formal approach from City and have declined to comment on the reports. They remain unaware, according to the source article, of the specific intent behind City's interest — but they have placed Balde on the market and are awaiting offers.
The player himself does not want to leave. That is not an unusual position for a player whose club has decided to sell him.