Manchester United enquire about Balde, but the defender does not want to leave Barcelona
Manchester United are searching for a new left-back and have decided to explore Alejandro Balde’s situation. The problem is that the player himself is not looking for a new club. The Spaniard remains happy at Barcelona and currently has no intention of leaving.
Fabrizio Romano reports that there have been contacts with the player’s camp in recent days. United wanted to understand whether a departure was possible and what conditions would be required for a transfer. There is no indication, however, that a formal offer has been submitted or that negotiations between the clubs have begun.
Manchester United are considering several candidates. Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall is also on their list, but Balde remains one of the names under discussion. His situation has become more interesting following João Cancelo’s permanent return to Barcelona on a contract running until June 2029.
The Portuguese defender gradually moved ahead of Balde in the pecking order last season. Hansi Flick values Cancelo’s experience and attacking qualities, meaning the two players are once again expected to compete for a place on the left side of the defence. Barcelona may decide that they have more options in that position than they need, particularly if a serious offer arrives from England. At this club, competition for places can quickly be renamed a “market opportunity” when the numbers become attractive.
Balde, however, is not sending any signals that he wants to leave. After the Joan Gamper Trophy match, he acknowledged the speculation surrounding his future but insisted that he would not allow transfer rumours to distract him.
“I know there is a lot of talk, but I have to focus on myself and my work,” the defender said.
The Spaniard believes he has prepared well for the new season and wants to regain a stronger position in the team. His message to interested clubs is therefore fairly clear: they may make contact and ask questions, but packing his bags is not currently part of the plan.
It leaves Barcelona in a delicate position. Balde is only 22, still has room to develop and remains one of the first team’s academy graduates. On the other hand, Cancelo’s return means that selling the Spaniard would not leave Flick without a recognised starting left-back. It is precisely the sort of situation in which public confidence in a player can survive until someone places a sufficiently large number on an official proposal.
For now, Manchester United are only assessing their options. Balde wants to stay, Barcelona have not received a concrete offer and no advanced negotiations are taking place. The subject could return before the transfer window closes, particularly if United fail to secure another left-back.
At present, Cancelo’s return is the only confirmed move affecting the position. Balde has no intention of making a potential sale easy for Barcelona and wants to respond in the most convincing place possible — on the pitch.
Source: Fabrizio Romano / Barça Blaugranes
