Manchester United have made contact over a potential move for Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde as they work to bolster their defense before the transfer deadline. The 22-year-old Spain international has given his agent, Jorge Mendes, the green light to open discussions, with the defender intrigued by the prospect of continuing his career in the Premier League. Barcelona remain open to sanctioning a departure for their La Masia academy graduate as they actively look to raise crucial transfer capital, placing Balde’s future at the club in sharp focus.
Balde was left out of Barcelona’s squad for their La Liga season opener, officially due to an injury, though he remains available on the transfer market this summer. Competition on the left side of defense has tightened in Catalonia following the permanent arrival of João Cancelo, alongside the presence of Gerard Martin and the emergence of youth prospect Xavi Espart. With Balde’s starting role no longer guaranteed, Barcelona have placed a valuation of around €40 million (£38 million) on the young full-back, viewing a potential deal as a strategic move to rebalance their squad.
Sanctioning Balde’s exit would provide Barcelona with vital funds to reinvest in their frontline. The Spanish giants are currently exploring attacking targets across Europe and they’ve turned their focus toward Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martínez. The 28-year-old forward has registered 175 goals and 56 assists across 376 appearances in eight years at Inter, making him a prime target as Barcelona’s move for Atletico Madrid striker Julián Álvarez remains increasingly difficult to finalize.
For Manchester United, Balde has emerged as an attractive, lower-cost alternative in the final week of the transfer window. United haven’t hidden their desire to add full-back depth, initially tracking Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall before his steep £80 million valuation made an agreement unlikely. United’s recruitment team has evaluated several other options, including RB Leipzig defender David Raum and Racing Santander’s Jorge Salinas, while Eintracht Frankfurt full-back Nathaniel Brown was removed from consideration after agreeing to join Bayern Munich.
Negotiations between Manchester United and Balde’s representatives are expected to progress as the window draws to a close. While the defender has maintained he’s happy in Catalonia under normal circumstances, Barcelona’s urge to raise funds for a new striker could accelerate his departure. Both clubs are now locked in critical discussions to see if a final transfer fee can be agreed upon before the deadline.
