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Manchester United are exploring the prospect of signing Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde during the summer transfer window, according to Spanish outlet Sport.
The Red Devils have had Luke Shaw as the regular choice from the left-back position over the last few months. He has shown exceptional fitness levels despite his past injury record.
However, United are aware that they need a quality competitor in the squad, given the risk of potential injuries when the club play significantly more games next season.
United will play a maximum of 40 matches this campaign, but that number could rise to 60 or more if they go deep in multiple competitions next season, including in Europe.
Patrick Dorgu was signed as a left wing-back under former manager Ruben Amorim, but the Dane looks more comfortable as a winger. His future could be higher up the pitch.
Sport now claim that United would be willing to explore the possibility of signing Balde if he were to open the door to a transfer from Barcelona during the next transfer window.
Barcelona are open to parting ways with the talented left-back, who has a contract until June 2028, considering he has been in and out of the XI under manager Hansi Flick this year.
The club are planning to sign Cancelo permanently after his loan from Al-Hilal this summer, and they are also planning to pursue another marquee left-back for the 2026/27 season.
The La Liga champions could be tempted to sanction Balde’s sale for around £43 million.
Balde’s injury record is a potential warning sign for United
The 22-year-old is undoubtedly one of the best young left-backs in European football, but he has picked up multiple short-term muscle injuries during the past few years at the Blaugrana.
This has hampered his development with the Catalan giants to the point that the club seem prepared to part ways with his services to recoup funds for marquee signings this summer.
Balde’s statistics are pretty good this season. He has completed 92 percent of his passes, while winning almost 60 percent of his duels. He has made four recoveries and one tackle per outing.
His forward output has not been that great, with just three goal contributions in 38 appearances.
Balde would be a good competitor to Shaw for the left-back slot, but his injury record should concern United. He has already missed 10 matches in the current season due to two muscle injuries.
It was a similar theme during the 2024/25 season. United previously signed Mason Mount from Chelsea with an injury record, and the Englishman has continued to struggle with his fitness in recent years.
Hence, we would personally avoid a move for Balde in the next transfer window. United are also keen on West Ham United’s El Hadji Malick Diouf, who would present a much better acquisition.
He could be available for a similar transfer fee from the Hammers. The 21-year-old has had a fine debut season with five assists from 28 games and has been ever-present when available for selection.
Diouf could also be signed for a knockdown fee if Nuno Santo’s side are relegated from the top-flight.
