- Manchester United are exploring a loan for Alejandro Balde, but Barcelona want around €40m for a permanent sale as his future at Camp Nou becomes uncertain.
Alejandro Balde is facing an uncertain future at Barcelona amid reported interest from Manchester United and his exclusion from the squad for the match against Elche. According to ESPN, Manchester United are actively exploring a season-long loan deal for the Spanish left back, but Barcelona wants a permanent departure of the player for a fee around €40 million before the transfer window closes.
Why Balde's Barcelona future is uncertain
Balde's pathway to regular football has become less straightforward following the arrival of João Cancelo and Flick's willingness to use Espart on the left. While Balde remains one of the most naturally athletic options in the squad, the increased competition could force Barcelona to consider a departure.
Balde’s exclusion from the squad and Flick's trust in Cancelo and Espart suggest Balde's minutes will be limited in the blaugrana shirt, and he now finds himself lower down Flick’s pecking order. The player is reportedly surprised with the omission from the squad and lack of communication from the club regarding the exclusion and his future.
Why Manchester United want Balde
United is keen on bringing the player to Old Trafford to compete with Luke Shaw, who has had several injury issues in his career, and he remains the only left-back option for the club. They explored the possibility of signing Lewis Hall, but Newcastle ruled out a possible departure in this summer
Carrick is keen on Balde because of the pace and athleticism he can bring to the team. The 22-year-old offers a constant threat from the left, capable of making overlapping and underlapping runs while using his speed to create space and stretch the opposition. He can also deliver crosses and cut-backs from dangerous positions.
Defensively, Balde has shown good awareness and the ability to contribute when his team is out of possession. While his performances were inconsistent last season, his age, physical qualities, and attacking potential suggest there is still plenty of room for development.
For Carrick, Balde's value would not simply come from replacing Luke Shaw. His ability to repeatedly attack space from deep could change how the United build attacks down the left.
What happens next in the Balde transfer saga
The big question is whether Barcelona will stick to their demand for a permanent €40m sale or be willing to consider Manchester United’s loan proposal. With the transfer window entering its final week, Balde’s situation could change quickly.