Alejandro Balde to Manchester United: Jorge Mendes has put Alejandro Balde’s name firmly in front of Manchester United again, with a deal worth roughly £40m to £45m reportedly on the table before the transfer deadline.
According to a report from Krrish, Barcelona are considering selling the Spain international, while Mendes has sounded out three clubs in quick succession. United are one of them. Christopher Vivell already flagged Balde internally in May, although the club decided against making a move then. Now the situation has shifted. Michael Carrick is understood to be open to the idea.
United’s left-back problem needs fixing
United don’t have the luxury of waiting around. Tyrell Malacia has departed on a free transfer, Luke Shaw’s fitness remains a recurring headache, and Patrick Dorgu has increasingly been asked to cover at left-back despite being more naturally suited elsewhere. That’s a bodge, not a long-term solution.
Balde would change the picture immediately. He’s 22, has played at the highest level with Barcelona and made 38 appearances across all competitions in 2025/26. Across 2,580 minutes, he registered one goal and four assists, including eight Champions League appearances.
His valuation is another reason this deal is tempting. A player once valued around €70m, with a current figure closer to €50m, potentially arriving for less than £45m is difficult to dismiss in today’s market.
Why Balde fits Carrick’s side
There is obvious logic behind the interest.
Balde is quick. Very quick. Give him grass, and he’ll attack it, which matters for a United side that needs greater width and more aggressive full-back play. With Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos providing midfield security, a rampaging left-back could permit United’s forwards to drift inside.
His reported 93 per cent passing completion in 2025/26 also points towards a player comfortable circulating possession rather than simply lumping it forward. But here’s the catch.
Balde isn’t some flawless defensive monster. He recorded only 18 successful tackles across 28 La Liga matches. His recovery pace can bail him out, yet Premier League wingers won’t always give him that chance. Physical duels, aerial battles and defensive positioning could become uncomfortable areas.
The £45m question
At £40m to £45m, United should be interested. Not blindly, though.
Barcelona’s willingness to sell, Flick’s reported openness to the departure and Mendes’ aggressive push have created an unusual opportunity. Barcelona are even considering replacements, with Jorge Salinas reportedly among the options being pushed.
Read: Man Utd in talks to complete signing of £14m defender
For United, the calculation is fairly straightforward: spend serious money on a 22-year-old Champions League-tested left-back with resale value, or keep patching a position that has already become a problem. At this price, Balde is worth the gamble.
