Man Utd resolve on Alejandro Balde switch after assembly with Barcelona
Manchester United have been linked with a move for Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde in the final days of the transfer window but a new update has emerged
Alejandro Balde looks unlikely to move to Manchester United(Image: Getty Images)
Manchester United are reportedly unlikely to proceed with a move for Alejandro Balde after discussions with Barcelona revealed a substantial gap in valuation. The Spaniard had been earmarked as a potential recruit as United look to bolster their defence and provide competition for Luke Shaw.
Signing a left‑back has been a priority for the club before Tuesday’s (September 1) transfer deadline but they have so far been unsuccessful. Shaw played every Premier League match last season – becoming only the fifth United player to do so but cannot realistically manage two games per week, particularly with the Champions League on the horizon.
Balde had been under consideration in the closing weeks of the window, especially after Newcastle United stood firm over Lewis Hall, who is viewed internally as United’s ideal left‑back target. Barcelona’s signing of Joao Cancelo and the emergence of Xavi Espart had encouraged United to explore a deal for Balde.
Balde in action for Barca(Image: Getty Images)
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While Barcelona are not actively pushing for Balde’s departure, they are willing to listen to offers.
According to a recent update from Fabrizio Romano, further talks took place on Sunday involving both clubs and Balde’s agent, Jorge Mendes, who set out the terms necessary for a transfer.
Currently, the two parties remain significantly apart. United are believed to deem the deal as ‘too expensive’ and favour a loan with an option to buy, while Barcelona’s stance is a ‘permanent transfer or nothing.’
AC Milan are also reported to have explored the prospect of signing Balde but encountered the same financial hurdle. Balde, who is contracted until 2028, has been valued at around €40m (£34m).
Although a transfer for the 22 year old now seems improbable, Romano has hinted that United still anticipate securing another left-back before the 11pm deadline.
When quizzed on whether United will make another acquisition, head coach Michael Carrick said following his team’s 5-2 victory over Ipswich Town: “It’s always difficult to say, to be honest, when there’s so little time left.
“I think the situation that we’re in, I think the business that we’ve managed to do, I’m pleased with. I think we’re a better group, a better squad, potentially a better team.
“Adding Marcus [Rashford] into that feels like a new signing. So, in that respect, we’re quite happy. We’re always open to if there’s something else to be able to add, so I wouldn’t shut that down, but as it stands, we’ll have to wait and see.”
