The strong relationship between Manchester United and Barcelona could help the Red Devils lure Alejandro Balde to Old Trafford. The two European giants are on good terms following Marcus Rashford’s departure to Camp Nou.
United agreed to send Rashford on loan to Barca last summer with a £26m option to buy. The English forward is expected to make the move permanent.
The Premier League giants will be looking to continue their rebuild and could turn to a Blaugrana player. A long-term Luke Shaw replacement seems to be on the club’s agenda.
Manchester United weigh up Balde offer
Shaw has impressed this season and returned to his preferred left-back position under Michael Carrick. He has managed to stay fit and has featured 30 times across competitions.
The 30-year-old will have a year left on his contract this summer, and INEOS might need to start planning for life without him. They appear to admire Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde, who is close with Rashford.
According to talkSPORT, the Reds are “studying the possibility of launching a bid worth £40m” for the Spanish left-back. He has appeared 32 times across competitions this season, providing three assists.
Balde is a pacy, physical full-back who is still developing at 22. He has spent his career at Camp Nou, rising through the La Liga heavyweights’ youth ranks.
The seven-cap Spain international has won the Spanish title twice and is a regular starter under Hansi Flick. He will have two years left on his contract this summer.
Balde talked up United move
The Spaniard has already experienced football at Old Trafford. He was on the losing side when Manchester United beat Barcelona in the Europa League playoffs in the 2022-23 campaign.
Balde was asked ahead of that tie which club he’d join if he were to leave Barca. He responded: “Manchester United.”
Balde has also previously stated his desire to retire at his boyhood club. It seems that United need Barca to be open to a sale for a potential transfer to take place.
It remains to be seen whether talks over Rashford’s future could involve Balde. He is a product of the Catalans’ La Masia academy and seems happy at Camp Nou.
Balde got his wish when Rashford joined the Blaugrana last summer. He previously named the United loanee as the one English player he’d “want in his team” and “wished” he was Spanish.
The Reds need a midfield refresh
A new left-back shouldn’t be top of the club’s priorities this summer as they need to strengthen in midfield. Casemiro is set to depart Old Trafford when his contract expires in June.
Manuel Ugarte’s failure to reach expectations since arriving from Paris Saint-Germain is a concern. There has been talk of the Uruguayan potentially being sold.
The Red Devils remain interested in Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba and are admirers of Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson.
The Premier League midfield duo are likely to cost upwards of £80m. INEOS need to be cautious with its spending when tackling the transfer market.
