Barcelona star Alejandro Balde targets Premier League move as United eyes left-back fix
The 23-year-old defender has not started a match this season and is prioritizing a transfer to the English top flight in January.
By Paula Delgado ·
Alejandro Balde, a 23-year-old left-back for Barcelona, is actively seeking a transfer to the Premier League this January. The move would offer him regular playing time after falling out of favor under manager Hansi Flick.
Balde joined Barcelona at age eight and has made 172 appearances for the club. However, he has not started a single match in the current season. He played 60 minutes in a 2-1 loss to Real Madrid in October, but Joao Cancelo started the two subsequent games.
According to reports from the Spanish outlet Sport, Balde's agent, Jorge Mendes, is currently contacting clubs across Europe to gauge interest. Balde prefers a move to England, with Liverpool, Aston Villa, and Manchester United cited as potential suitors. Italian clubs Roma and Juventus have also met with Mendes, though salary demands may complicate those negotiations.
Barcelona values Balde at 40 million euros, or approximately 33 million pounds. The club reportedly prefers a permanent sale but remains open to a loan deal with an option to buy.
Manchester United has been seeking to strengthen its left-back position since the summer. Manager Michael Carrick confirmed the club will look to sign players in the January window. Shaw's injury has forced Diogo Dalot to play at left-back, increasing the urgency for a new arrival.
Carrick told Sky Sports that the club aims to use the upcoming window to improve the squad. He stated that while the specific plan is not yet finalized, the opportunity exists to come out stronger. United was linked with Balde in the final weeks of the summer transfer window.
