Manchester United Pursue Alejandro Balde But He Remains Committed to Barcelona
Manchester United have picked up the phone. On the other end: Jorge Mendes. The subject of the call: Alejandro Balde.
According to Fabrizio Romano, United have contacted the Portuguese super-agent to ask about the FC Barcelona defender’s situation and to understand the conditions for a possible deal. With less than two weeks left in the transfer window and a new left-back high on their list, the Premier League club are probing every realistic option.
They had already earmarked several candidates, including Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall. That door has effectively shut, with the Magpies making it clear the Englishman is not available. So United have turned to alternatives – and Balde’s name has moved onto their agenda.
United ask, Barça listen – but Balde says no
Mendes is in Barcelona today on wider business, holding talks over multiple clients, including Marc Casado, who is heading towards an exit from the Spotify Camp Nou. United’s enquiry about Balde is expected to be part of the conversation when Mendes meets club president Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco.
The approach is real. The interest is concrete. The problem for United? Balde’s stance.
Romano reports that the La Masia product has no intention of leaving Barcelona this summer. The 22-year-old is settled at his boyhood club and wants to fight for his place, even with competition intensifying on the left flank after Joao Cancelo’s permanent arrival.
Balde’s position is clear: he stays. The only scenario in which he would reconsider is if Barcelona themselves told him he was no longer wanted. Until that happens – and there is no indication of that right now – he is not entertaining a move.
So United wait, watching a situation that is active but not yet open.
Fitness concerns ease as Balde plays his way back
The timing of all this comes on the back of a stuttering pre-season for the defender. A back problem disrupted the early part of his summer and kept him out of action, hardly ideal for a player looking to cement his status ahead of a crucial campaign.
That setback has eased. Balde has returned to the pitch and has been building rhythm, starting in friendlies against FC Basel and Al-Ahly, including the Joan Gamper Trophy clash last night. Those minutes matter, both for his confidence and for the coaching staff’s plans.
He is under contract with Barcelona until 2028, a long-term commitment that strengthens the club’s hand in any negotiations and underlines how they view his future. With Cancelo only just completing his permanent move this week, Balde is expected to start against Elche this weekend.
United may be circling, Mendes may be talking, the window may be ticking down – but for now, the left-back they want looks determined to write his next chapter in Barcelona colours, not in Manchester red.
