Manchester United are close to the signature of Barcelona’s 22-year-old fullback, now awaiting approval from Balde to secure his services.
Manchester United will need to submit a hefty bid to receive the signature of Alejandro Balde, with Barcelona open to being convinced of a sale.
The 22-year-old has dealt with repeated injury blows throughout the season, missing ten matches and 61 days of football for the Spanish side.
Manchester United await approval from Alejandro Balde
According to a reports from Sport Witness and Sport, Manchester United, who once ‘led the way’ for Alejandro Balde, are awaiting approval directly from the player to pursue him further.
Balde, who graduated from Barcelona’s La Masia academy to first-team football, has started 19 La Liga games this season, appearing in 24, and has recorded impressive defensive statistics.
The Spain international has averaged over three duels won and three recoveries per game for Barcelona, and recorded two assists in the process.
Manchester United are currently planning defensive and centre-of-the-park rebuilds, and were recently linked with a Bundesliga ‘assist machine’ who can play as both a natural right-back and winger.
Adding Balde into the mix, a similar mix of both defensive and attacking talent from the opposite flank, now hinges on the player’s approval for Manchester United to pursue him.
Reportedly, Barcelona are willing to entertain and are possibly open to a figure in the region of €50 million, however, the club will not force the La Masia graduate out.
Instead, Balde will decide his own future alongside agent Jorge Mendes, with both being aware of Barcelona’s desire to offload the 22-year-old.
The Spain international, whose contract expires in 2028, has largely lost his place in Hansi Flick’s side on the left flank, with Joao Cancelo proving to be formidable competition.
Barcelona are chasing Cancelo’s signature – currently on loan in Spain from Saudi side Al-Hilal – and also exploring other left-back options in the market, leaving Balde’s future uncertain.
Manchester United view Balde as a ‘market opportunity’ and will be ready to pounce should the 22-year-old decide a Manchester arrival is his desire.
