Manchester United have intensified their efforts to sign a new left-back, making contact in recent days with the camp of Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde to explore the possibility of a deal.
Fabrizio Romano revealed that the English club reached out to the player’s agent, Jorge Mendes, to gauge Barcelona’s stance and potential conditions. Reinforcing this position is among United’s next priorities following the completion of the Carlos Baleba deal.
Mendes continues to inform Balde of Manchester United’s interest, but the Spanish international has publicly reiterated his desire to stay at Barcelona, where he feels happy and has no intention of leaving. His stance will only shift if the Catalan club informs him that he is on the market.
However, Barcelona’s financial situation could push them to consider substantial offers, having spent around €160.5 million in fixed fees on signing Anthony Gordon, Karim Adeyemi, Jesse Bisiwu, and Rodri—excluding add-ons and the deal for João Cancelo. The club still needs to trim its wage bill and generate revenue through player sales to comply with Financial Fair Play rules.
The list of candidates who could leave Barcelona includes Marc Casadó, Héctor Fort, Guille Fernández, and Toni Fernández, following the departures of Ferran Torres, Ansu Fati, and Iñaki Peña, as well as loan exits for Ronald Araújo and Marc-André ter Stegen. Balde could become a valuable financial asset, but only if he consents to a move.
Balde is not the only option on Manchester United’s radar, as RB Leipzig’s German left-back David Raum has also emerged among the candidates to bolster their left flank.
Balde rose through the ranks of La Masia to reach Barcelona’s first team, making 168 appearances across all competitions, scoring 3 goals and providing 21 assists. The 22-year-old’s current contract runs until the summer of 2028.
