Barca to renew several players, starting with Balde

Alex Balde is settling in the Barcelona first team, so it is time for him to get a contract which reflects that. The board have been looking to get him to renew for some time and, according to 'Sport', everything is on course for him to renew until 2027. That is a three year extension compared to his current contract which expires in 2024.

Barca's plan is for him to be the first of many players renewed in January. Marcos Alonso, for example, is another one of those who is likely to stay in the Catalan capital. Xavi Hernandez is happy with his versatility and experience so he could get a lot out of him in the medium term. 

On the other hand, men like Hector Bellerin and Memphis Depay are not guaranteed to stay at the club. The Dutchman had options to leave in the summer and the former Betis man is fighting to remain in the squad in the long term, but he is not indispensable at the moment. 

Going back to Alex Balde, he has made 11 appearances already this season. The trust Xavi has in him is easy to see: he started against Real Madrid in the La Liga clash and he came on as a super sub in the 3-3 draw with Inter Milan in the Champions League.