FC Barcelona is negotiating a player swap with Inter Milan that would send Alejandro Balde to Italy and bring Federico Dimarco to Camp Nou. Sporting director Deco is leading the talks, which intensified this week ahead of the transfer deadline, according to the newspaper Sport.
The Catalan club is seeking a more experienced and offensive left-back, a profile that fits Dimarco perfectly. The 28-year-old Italian is a key figure for Inter, having played 47 matches last season with eight goals and 16 assists. His contract with the Italian side runs until June 2028. Barcelona, meanwhile, values Balde's potential but the 22-year-old has lost prominence in manager Hansi Flick's plans at the start of the 2026/27 season.
Why does Barcelona want Federico Dimarco?
Federico Dimarco has become one of Europe's most attacking full-backs. His ability to create and provide assists from the left flank is the main reason for Barcelona's interest. In the 2025/26 season, the Italian defender was directly involved in 24 goals through scoring and assisting, a figure far superior to any Barcelona full-back in the same period.
The current Barça squad, which you can view on our squad page, features João Cancelo and youngster Xavi Espart for the left flank, but the club is seeking a more specialized profile. Dimarco, a product of Inter's youth academy, represents an immediate solution with proven performance in Serie A and the Champions League.
What is Alejandro Balde's situation at Barcelona?
Alejandro Balde finds himself in a difficult position within Hansi Flick's project. The 22-year-old Spanish full-back was not called up for the league opener against Elche and, although he returned to the bench against Athletic Club, he has not played any official minutes this campaign. This situation contrasts with his involvement in 42 matches last season.
"The player wants to stay and fight for his starting spot," sources close to the footballer have indicated. Flick, for his part, has clarified that he has not asked him to leave. However, increased competition and the demand for more consistent performance have placed Balde at the centre of exit rumours in the final days of the transfer window.
What are the obstacles to the swap deal?
The main hurdle for the Balde-Dimarco exchange is Inter Milan's reluctance. The Italian club considers Dimarco an indispensable pillar of their project and has not yet given the green light for his departure. Barcelona would be willing to add a financial sum to facilitate the deal, but the final decision rests with the Nerazzurri board.
From a sporting perspective, Inter would have to weigh whether Balde's youth and projection compensate for the immediate loss of a player in his prime with guaranteed productivity. Dimarco accumulated over 3,600 minutes of play last season, a figure that reflects his absolute importance in Simone Inzaghi's team.
How does this move affect Barcelona's transfer market?
This operation fits into the final stretch of the transfer window, where Barcelona has several other deals in the works. A swap of this nature would free up salary space and a squad slot, allowing the club to address other needs. The fixtures calendar shows a demanding schedule in September, increasing the pressure to finalize the squad.
The potential departure of Balde, a La Masía graduate, would mark the end of an era for a player who debuted with the first team in 2021. His move to Inter, in exchange for an established full-back like Dimarco, would represent a bet on the present without completely sacrificing the future, as the Spaniard's contract with Barcelona runs until June 2028. The team's next match is the Catalan derby against Girona on 13 September.
