Manchester United are prepared to pursue Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde, but the Premier League club are unwilling to commit more than £30 million to a permanent deal, according to Flashscore sources. Barcelona are understood to be seeking closer to £40 million.
United remain determined to strengthen at left-back before the transfer window closes, but Balde is not viewed as an unquestioned long-term solution. The club’s cautious approach reflects a desire to improve the position without making a substantial investment that could prevent them from pursuing a preferred target later.
Balde has emerged as an alternative after Newcastle United made it increasingly difficult for United to sign Lewis Hall, who remains the club’s preferred option for the position. United have also considered other left-back candidates, including David Raum and young Racing Santander defender Jorge Salinas.
United unwilling to overspend on Balde
Manchester United have followed Balde for an extended period and have made contact regarding his situation. However, the club are understood to believe that paying Barcelona’s reported £40 million valuation would represent too significant a commitment for a player whose long-term suitability remains under consideration.
United’s preference could therefore be a permanent transfer worth no more than £30 million, although an initial loan has also been discussed as a possible solution. Reports from ESPN and other outlets have similarly indicated that a loan with an option to buy could appeal to United if Barcelona are prepared to negotiate.
The strategy would allow United to address an immediate squad requirement while retaining greater financial flexibility for future recruitment.
That consideration is particularly important because Hall remains United’s preferred target. Newcastle have been reluctant to sell the England international after losing several important players during the summer, making a deal difficult to complete before the deadline.
Balde’s Barcelona future becomes uncertain
The transfer situation has become more complicated after Balde was omitted from Barcelona’s squad for their opening La Liga match against Elche.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick subsequently explained that Balde had not been told to leave the club but needed to reflect on his situation and improve his level of commitment. Flick’s decision increased speculation over whether the 22-year-old remains part of his plans.
Barcelona went on to beat Elche 5-0, with Xavi Espart playing at left-back. Balde’s absence was therefore notable, particularly given his established status at the club and the competition for places following Joao Cancelo’s return.
Balde has nevertheless indicated previously that he remains focused on Barcelona despite the transfer speculation. His contract with the Catalan club runs until June 2028 and contains a €1 billion release clause.
That long-term contract gives Barcelona a strong negotiating position, although current reports suggest the club could be prepared to consider a sale if the financial conditions are acceptable.
Manchester United face a decision before deadline
United’s interest is driven by the need for greater depth and competition at left-back, with Luke Shaw remaining an important part of the squad but having experienced fitness problems in recent seasons. The club have therefore continued searching for an additional option despite their difficulties with Hall.
Balde offers a different profile from some of United’s other targets. He is a technically accomplished, attack-minded full-back who developed through Barcelona’s youth system and established himself in the first team after breaking through during the early 2020s. Barcelona officially extended his contract in 2023, tying him to the club until 2028.
The question for United is whether that quality justifies moving beyond their £30 million ceiling.
With the transfer deadline approaching, Barcelona must also decide whether Balde remains part of Flick’s plans or whether his situation should lead to a late sale. For United, the coming days will determine whether the club can negotiate a deal within its valuation or move on to another left-back target.
For now, United’s position is clear: they want Balde only on terms that protect their longer-term recruitment plans, while Barcelona must decide whether their reported £40 million valuation can be maintained.
