Manchester United want Balde on loan. Barcelona need the money now
Alejandro Balde could spend the final days of the transfer window caught between two very different plans for his future. Manchester United are interested in taking him to Old Trafford, but would prefer a loan with an option to buy. Barcelona would rather sell him. Ideally in a deal that actually puts money into the club’s account.
According to Mundo Deportivo, United are closely monitoring the 22-year-old’s situation and are considering a season-long loan. The English club would like to secure the right to make the move permanent without committing itself to completing the transfer.
It is a comfortable arrangement for United. They could assess Balde in the Premier League, postpone the main expense and decide next summer whether he is worth the investment. Barcelona are looking at the matter rather differently. They want to receive a fee immediately and reportedly value the defender at between €30 million and €40 million.
No official bid has been submitted. United have contacted Jorge Mendes to learn the conditions of a potential deal. Reports indicate that the full cost would depend not only on Barcelona’s asking price but also on Balde’s significant salary. The English club therefore wants to check every figure before moving. Barcelona would prefer that somebody eventually finishes the calculation and presses “send payment”.
Balde’s position has changed quickly. He was left out of the squad for the 5-0 victory over Elche despite not asking to be omitted. Hansi Flick explained that the player was not fully focused and needed to “clear his mind”. The coach also stressed that he had not told Balde to find another club.
The defender returned to normal first-team training on Monday. Barcelona’s official training report confirmed that he completed the more intensive session alongside the players who had either not featured against Elche or received fewer minutes. He has not been separated from the squad, although his future remains unresolved.
João Cancelo’s return has added another layer to the situation. The Portuguese defender can operate on either side, while Flick can also call upon Gerard Martín and youngster Xavi Espart. Balde is no longer considered untouchable, and selling an academy graduate would generate an immediate accounting profit. At Barcelona, the phrase “pure profit” has a remarkable ability to speed up sporting decisions.
Balde remains under contract until June 2028 and has a €1 billion release clause. Such clauses are very useful during contract presentations. They tend to become considerably less relevant when a genuine buyer calls.
United are proposing a deal that limits their risk. Barcelona need an arrangement that solves a problem now. One club wants to test the player before paying. The other would like to record the income before the transfer window closes.
Balde is still training under Flick and formally remains part of the first team. United’s interest is real, but there is no agreement at this stage. The clubs must first settle the central issue: whether Manchester United want to buy the defender or simply borrow him and purchase the right to think about it again next summer.
Sources: Mundo Deportivo, FC Barcelona, Balde’s official contract announcement
