Manchester United reportedly ‘remain in contact’ to sign Barcelona defender Alejandro Balde, as per transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
The 22-year-old started his youth career at Sant Gabriel before spending a couple of years with Espanyol. He joined the Blaugrana’s famous La Masia academy at the age of eight.
After rising through their youth system, the Spaniard made his first-team debut in 2021. Initially, he featured as a rotational option before playing regularly during the 2022/23 campaign.
However, he has had numerous fitness problems in recent years. As a result, his development has slowed down. Still, he has won three La Liga titles and a few domestic cup competitions at Camp Nou.
It appears that, having been impressed by Balde, Man Utd have identified him as a serious option to replace Luke Shaw, who has entered the final year of his current contract.
On his YouTube channel, Romano states that United initially held talks to learn about the details of signing Balde a week ago and ‘remain in contact’ with the player’s representatives over a potential late swoop.
However, United consider the deal too expensive and aren’t planning to move forward under the current conditions. On the other hand, Balde isn’t pushing to leave his boyhood club at the moment and will only consider moving away if Barcelona tells him to.
Balde to Man Utd
The youngster is valued at around £43m by Transfermarkt and still has a contract until 2028. So, Barcelona are in a strong position to demand a big fee if they opt to cash-in on him.
Balde is a technically gifted left-footed left-back. He is quick, comfortable playing out from the back, can dribble past opposition defenders in tight areas, and is efficient in defensive contributions.
United currently have Shaw as the first-choice left-back option, but he has had numerous fitness problems over the years.
Patrick Dorgu was purchased last year as a potential long-term replacement for Shaw, but he has been playing as a forward under Michael Carrick.
Balde is a talented player and possesses high potential. Therefore, he might be a shrewd acquisition for Man Utd should they eventually manage to secure his services before the end of this transfer window.
