Manchester United's Quiet Road to the Future: Balde on the Radar

Manchester United eye Barcelona's Balde as future centerpiece

Manchester United are plotting a move for Barcelona's young left-back Alejandro Balde in the upcoming transfer window to bolster the squad and push for major trophies next season.

United have endured a turbulent spell in recent years and have not won the Premier League since 2013 after Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement.

With Michael Carrick temporarily in charge and four wins plus a draw from five league games, United are already thinking long term and eyeing new signings who can lift the club back into the top four.

Balde is among the potential additions, though Mundo Deportivo notes he hasn’t hit peak form at Barca and faced challenges in matches at Atlético Madrid and Girona; at 22, he remains a key asset thanks to his physicality and ability to cover the left flank.

English reports suggest growing interest from United, with discussions reportedly steering toward a transfer around €40 million. Barca hold a strong negotiating stance with a contract through 2028 and a €1 billion release clause, while Balde has started 32 games this season and contributed three assists, keeping him highly sought after in the market.

As Balde aims to reclaim his best level, United press on with their long-term project, eyeing a left-back who can grow with the club’s ambitions.

Punchline: If Balde signs, United’s left flank will be so fast the ball will file a speeding ticket just to keep up.
Punchline: And if the contract talks stall, Barca will claim Balde’s loyalty is “for sale next summer, with a season’s pass to the rest of the world.”