Manchester United Explore Alejandro Balde as Left-Back Solution
Manchester United have picked up the phone to Jorge Mendes to sound out a bold option for their problem position at left-back: FC Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde.
With Lewis Hall effectively off the table after Newcastle United shut down any prospect of a move, United have been forced to pivot. The shortlist remains, but Balde’s name has now moved onto the agenda at Old Trafford.
United call Mendes over Balde
According to Fabrizio Romano, United have contacted Mendes to understand Balde’s situation at Barcelona and the conditions required for a possible deal for the La Masia product.
The timing is no coincidence. Mendes is in Barcelona today for a series of meetings, including talks over the future of Marc Casado, who is heading towards an exit from the Spotify Camp Nou.
United’s enquiry means Balde is expected to feature in those conversations with club president Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco. If there is any opening, this is where it will be found.
Balde’s stance: Barça or nothing
There is, however, a major obstacle for United – the player himself.
Romano reports that Balde has no intention of leaving Barcelona this summer. The 22-year-old is settled at his boyhood club and prepared to fight for his place, even with Joao Cancelo now signed permanently by the La Liga champions and adding serious competition on the left.
For Balde, the equation is simple: he stays unless Barcelona tell him otherwise. Only if the club push him towards the exit would he reconsider his stance.
With less than two weeks left in the transfer window, the situation remains fluid. United have made their move, but the clock is ticking and the defender is not agitating for change.
A disrupted pre-season, but a starting role in sight
Balde’s summer has not been ideal. A back problem sidelined him in the early stages of pre-season and disrupted his rhythm at a time when he might have wanted to make a statement.
He has worked his way back, though. The left-back has started to accumulate minutes, featuring from the off in the friendly against FC Basel and again against Al-Ahly in the Joan Gamper Trophy last night.
Under contract with Barcelona until 2028, Balde is expected to start against Elche this weekend, with Cancelo only just through the door.
United may be circling, Mendes may be talking, but for now the Barcelona left flank still belongs to Alejandro Balde. How long that remains beyond question will define the final days of this window.
