Manchester United have made fresh contact for Alejandro Balde after being given renewed hope of striking a deal for the FC Barcelona defender, according to a new report.
Bolstering the Backline
With £85 million already spent on two midfielders this summer, and a plan to add a third to Michael Carrick’s engine room still in place, INEOS have been considering which position to prioritise elsewhere on the pitch.
The focus is on the left-hand side, with targets at both full-back and on the wing under consideration. The inability to move on Marcus Rashford appears to have forced the Old Trafford hierarchy’s hand, however.
The hope had been for Barcelona to exercise their £26 million buy option to sign the 28-year-old England international permanently. But the Blaugrana eschewed this in favour of pursuing Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon.
With a lack of viable options elsewhere for Rashford, United are now preparing to reintegrate the Carrington graduate into Carrick’s squad. This has now led to the pursuit of a new left-back ramping up.
Patrick Dorgu looks set to continue being deployed further forward after a superb run of form on the left wing under Carrick, leaving Luke Shaw as the only senior option in the position.
Despite a torrid injury record, the 30-year-old started every Premier League match last year. Nevertheless, there is tacit recognition that he will not be able to repeat this feat next season, due to the increased workload a return to the Champions League will bring.
Lewis Hall is the leading candidate for the Red Devils, even with Newcastle’s resolute stance that the 21-year-old Englishman is not for sale. Should he prove unobtainable, Balde is seen as a strong alternative.
Spanish Speedster
Balde, 22, is a flying full-back in the purest sense, possessing electric speed and outstanding technical ability in the final third. The Spain international would offer a perfect attacking balance to the more defensive-minded Shaw.
Barcelona were understood to be open to his departure this summer, in order to raise funds to reinforce Hansi Flick’s frontline. Yet the Catalan native has no wish to leave his boyhood club, instead preferring to stay and fight for his place.
This had dampened Manchester United’s expectation of a deal being possible, despite intermediaries having given encouragement to make an approach. But Caught Offside now reveals there is renewed hope, even if a move may not be possible this summer.
The report states the Red Devils have made fresh contact for Balde, encouraged by the “lack of progress” Barcelona have made over a contract renewal for their defender. His current deal expires in 2028.
One well-placed source indicates that United’s pursuit is “one to watch again in the future” should Balde enter the final year of his contract. It is seen as unlikely it will happen in this window, however.
Elsewhere, a report relayed by The Peoples Person revealed United have identified Spanish starlet Jorge Salinas as another target at left-back. The 19-year-old enjoyed a superb season as he helped Racing Santander win the Segunda Division, Spain’s second division, and is also on the radar of Barcelona.
This adds another layer of complexity, as Salinas’ arrival at Camp Nou could be facilitated by Balde’s sale. La Liga’s champions are understood to have made an €8 million offer, though Racing are holding out for around double that.
Final Thoughts: The Peoples Person Reliability Assessment
Overall credibility: 6/10
Why?
Manchester United’s interest in a new left-back has been confirmed by multiple outlets.
Balde fits the profile INEOS have sought to prioritise since taking charge at Old Trafford.
No official confirmation of interest or offers yet.
Caught Offside is not the most reliable source for Man United updates.
TPP view: We believe Manchester United are interested in Alejandro Balde, but advise caution on a pursuit until a more reliable source confirms fresh talks have been held.
Feature image Judit Cartiel via Getty Images
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