The big Guinean international defender confirmed that Birmingham City boss Alex McLeish, a long term admirer, had offered him a deal subject to a successful trial and he also revealed that Owen Coyle's Burnley have already offered him an unconditional two-year contract.
McLeish tried in vain to sign the player last summer and again during the January transfer window but although the player was available on a free transfer the deal could not be agreed. "Balde chose to stay at Celtic because he refused to sign a confidentiality agreement which meant he couldn't come," said Big Eck last year, "That was a shame. We were all up for that one at the club, the whole lot of us, but he chose not to leave Celtic on a matter of principle."
Celtic denied that such a clause existed and Balde was informed that he would no longer be considered for selection by the club. Such was his fall from grace that he found himself forced to train with the youth players at Barrowfield but Balde refused to bow to the pressures put upon him to leave the club and sat tight whilst remaining amongst the top earners at the club.
Now, at the age of 33, he has the opportunity to resurrect his career in the Premiership. "My career is changing in such a way that I must accept the situation." said the defender. "I am 33, I have not played much over the last 12 months and I am not in a position of strength. When a player is inactive, they lose the rhythm and habit of duels. This is my case and I must accept it."
"I have an offer of a trial with Birmingham." Balde continued. "They have asked me to join them for pre-season when they return on July 8. The club have already told me there will be a two-year contract on the table for me if I do well and impress during my trial period. Burnley have also made me an offer, but unconditionally. I will have to have a think about things before I decide my future."
Balde loved his life in Glasgow and he loved his life in the Hoops but he'll always be disappointed in the way it all ended for him. "It is true that I was settled in Glasgow and I appreciated life there. But I knew I would leave one day. That day has arrived." he said.