Manchester United’s search for a new left-back is yet to end with Alejandro Balde now emerging as a possible option for Michael Carrick.
Manchester United need a competition for Luke Shaw. Luke Shaw particularly was at the end of criticism from Wayne Rooney for his ‘schoolboy’ defending against Hull City. Luke Shaw remains the main senior option, while Newcastle have reportedly closed the door on any move for Lewis Hall.
Barcelona’s outcast, Balde could now offer Manchester United another route, although a deal is far from straightforward.
Barcelona open to Balde exit
According to Fabrizio Romano, Barcelona are willing to consider selling the 22-year-old if the right offer arrives. However, Balde himself isn’t pushing to leave the Catalan club.
Romano said, “At the moment, Barcelona are open to selling Balde if there is a good proposal. Balde, I can tell you, is not pushing to leave Barcelona, so there has to be a top proposal for Barcelona and a good proposal for Balde, because Balde is not just going to accept anything.”
Manchester United have already made contact with Jorge Mendes, Balde’s representative, to understand what could be possible.
Romano confirmed that Manchester United are “in the conversation and a possibility”, but warned that the financial side could prove important.
“it depends on the conditions, not only on transfer fee also on the salary, because Balde is on a big salary at Barcelona, and that’s going to be a point.”
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has also refused to completely shut down the possibility of Balde leaving after holding talks with the defender about his situation.
For United, the interest for a new left-back makes sense. The club still need competition at left-back and with Hall seemingly unavailable, Balde could become a more serious target before the transfer deadline.
