Manchester United still have Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde on their agenda, after failing to secure his services in the summer window.
The Premier League side wanted to sign a new left-back and had looked at a few targets. Their priority was Lewis Hall, and Newcastle United’s refusal forced them to look at other options.
Manchester United had made approaches for the likes of the Barcelona player and Club Brugge Joaquin Seys, but finished the window without signing a left-back.
Manchester United not giving up
Hansi Flick had made it clear to the Spain international that he won’t be a starter this season.
The 22-year-old had earlier refused to leave and then considered changing his mind with João Cancelo’s arrival via permanent transfer in August, In the end, the fullback stayed at the Camp Nou.
Earlier this month, Sport Witness covered a report from Spain explaining that Manchester United pushed until the end.
Alejandro Balde has played 12 minutes in Barcelona’s 7-2 win over Racing Santander on September 16th and that’s his only appearance of this season.
Saturday’s print edition of Mundo Deportivo has a report on Balde, titled: ‘Decisive January’. Within the report, the newspaper explains Manchester United have ‘firm interest’ in him.
Flick has already informed Balde he’s behind the Portugal international and Xavi Espart in the pecking order.
Towards the end of last season, the coach noticed a ‘stagnation in his performance’, both in training and matches. Therefore, he was on the transferable list in the summer, and his refusal to leave has seen him become the third choice this season.
Manchester United had showed strong interest, but he didn’t consider leaving. The Old Trafford club
The newspaper immediately states: ‘The winter transfer window presents a moment that could change Balde’s perception of his future if he doesn’t see an increase in playing time under Flick. United are keeping a close eye on him…’
Manchester United need new left-back
Manchester United have Luke Shaw and Harry Amass as the two recognised left-backs in their squad.
However, Michael Carrick has utilised Patrick Dorgu ahead of Amass during Shaw’s absence this season.
Prior to that, the manager has mainly utilised the Denmark international as a left winger.
Earlier this week, he talked about wanting a fix role at Old Trafford rather than playing across several positions.
Both Shaw and Amass have their contracts expiring in 2027. The Red Devils certainly have to invest on a new left-back in 2027.
The door to sign Alejandro Balde can open as early as January. It would be ideal to bet on him [or someone else] in the winter market and look for another left-back next summer.
