26 Sept 2026 16:02 BST |
3 min read
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Manchester United are expected to get a second chance at signing Barcelona defender Alejandro Balde in January, and a transfer appears to be an increasingly realistic possibility.
The former Spain international emerged as one of the players to watch in the dying embers of the summer transfer window as Barcelona were prepared to cash in on him.
The surprising emergence of La Masia youngster Xavi Espart, coupled with the permanent signing of Joao Cancelo, meant that Balde had become surplus to requirements, continuing a decline that had already set in a couple of years ago.
Once the best up-and-coming left-back in European football, the 22-year-old has struggled to match the impressive performances of his teenage years. This has now seen him become Barcelona’s third-choice left-back, and he has played just 12 minutes of football this season.
In the final days of the window, Man Utd explored a move for Balde after learning that Newcastle would not entertain offers for Lewis Hall, but things didn’t progress. The Red Devils baulked at the required financial package, while the player preferred to stay in Catalunya.
Balde to leave Barca in January?
Barcelona were only willing to consider permanent offers for Balde, reportedly valuing the left-back at around €40 million. Man Utd felt that this was excessive, particularly in combination with his hefty wages.
The Old Trafford club would have preferred to loan Balde, perhaps with an option to purchase him. This would have allowed them to solve their left-back issues for the season before potentially going back in for Hall next summer.
Balde was never a priority target for Man Utd. However, the situation has radically changed since the end of the transfer period, with Hall having decided to sign a new long-term contract at Newcastle.
While that doesn’t automatically rule out a transfer in 2027, it does make the undertaking of signing him significantly more difficult and expensive, especially since Hall reportedly does not have a release clause.
Consequently, Man Utd need to consider alternative options, and this is where Balde comes in. Barcelona’s stance on the left-back remains unchanged, all the more so because they failed to permanently offload as many first-teamers as they had planned.
In other words, Barcelona want to get rid of the 22-year-old in January to raise funds. Barring any dramatic changes, such as an injury to Espart or Cancelo, Balde’s situation is unlikely to improve in the coming months.
Mundo Deportivo reports that manager Hansi Flick has been very disappointed with what he feels has been a stagnation in Balde’s performance levels, hence his relegation to third choice.
Balde, for his part, won’t be happy about constantly having to sit on the bench and will have to reconsider his stance on a transfer. As a result, January will likely prove to be a “decisive month” for him.
Depending on Barcelona’s level of desperation, they may even offer a discount on the 22-year-old, but this isn’t necessarily a boon for Man Utd as it will also attract other suitors. Indeed, rivals Liverpool have already been linked with the Spaniard.
January is promising to be a fascinating month for Balde, who evidently needs a change of scenery, not only to play regularly but also to get back to his best. He has the potential to be one of the best players in his position – he just needs to be unlocked.
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