Barcelona have set a price of around €45 million (£38 million) for Alejandro Balde, with Manchester United interested in signing the left-back before the summer transfer window closes. The 22-year-old was left out of Barcelona's 5-0 win over Elche, with manager Hansi Flick citing concerns over the player's focus amid the speculation.
Manchester United's search for a left-back
United made an approach for Balde last week as they look to add cover and competition for Luke Shaw. Manager Michael Carrick is keen to strengthen the position ahead of the team's return to the Champions League this season.
England international Lewis Hall was United's first-choice target and was interested in a move to Old Trafford, but Newcastle United made it clear he was not for sale. As a result, United have turned their attention to Barcelona academy graduate Balde, who has made over 150 appearances for the La Liga champions.
Barcelona's stance and Flick's comments
Balde is contracted to Barcelona for another two years and has a release clause worth €1 billion in his current deal. However, Spanish outlet SPORT report that Barcelona bosses are willing to cash in on Balde for around €45 million (£38 million) as they look to raise funds following another summer of significant spending.
It was initially reported that Barcelona had no desire to sell Balde, but the player himself is believed to be pushing for a summer move and would be open to joining Manchester United.
Flick left Balde out of his matchday squad for Sunday's emphatic win over Elche, and SPORT insist that is another sign a summer deal could be on the cards. Explaining Balde's absence in his pre-match interview, Flick said: 'I spoke with Alejandro this morning and told him that I think he's not here at 100%. Clear your mind and then we'll talk.'
Addressing the situation in his post-match press conference, the Barcelona boss added: 'I have not told Alejandro Balde to leave. I spoke with him this morning, I told him to think about it and that we'll talk again tomorrow.'
Other interested clubs and Balde's international career
Manchester United are not alone in expressing interest in Balde, with Aston Villa and Benfica also believed to be keeping tabs on his situation. Benfica have already approached Barcelona with a deal, but the offer was immediately knocked back due to the fees involved, which remain unknown.
Balde has made seven appearances for Spain but none since 2023 and was left out of Luis de la Fuente's World Cup-winning squad earlier in the summer. The talented left-back hinted he was keen to join Manchester United back in 2020 when he took part in a quick-fire Q&A with Mundo Deportivo on TikTok. When asked, 'A club other than Barcelona?', Balde simply replied: 'United.'
United's start to the season
Carrick's Manchester United began their Premier League campaign with a disappointing 2-0 defeat at newly-promoted Hull City, the favourites to finish bottom this season. The Red Devils will be desperate to clinch their first win of the season next weekend when another new Premier League side, Ipswich Town, visit the Theatre of Dreams.
England's Anthony Gordon, who moved to the Nou Camp in a £70 million transfer from Newcastle, made two assists as Barcelona thrashed Elche 5-0 in their La Liga opener.
