Manchester United Eye Alejandro Balde as Barcelona Transfer Opportunity Emerges

Manchester United are reportedly weighing up a summer move for Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde, in a transfer story that connects directly to the club’s need for long-term security on the left side of defence. According to reports in Spain, United see Balde as a prime target and believe a deal could be possible for a package worth around £43 million when the transfer window opens. Barcelona’s financial planning, Luke Shaw’s injury history and United’s search for stronger squad depth all make this a situation worth watching closely, even though Balde has not yet given approval for a move.

Why left-back is back on the agenda

United’s interest in a left-back is not difficult to understand. Luke Shaw remains an important player and has stayed injury-free during the current season with a reduced workload, but his long injury record across a decade at Old Trafford cannot be ignored. The demands of next season could be greater if United are competing deeply in domestic cups and European football. Relying on one senior option in such a physically demanding role would be a risk.

Squad planning at elite level is rarely about replacing a player immediately. It is often about protecting the team before the problem becomes urgent. Shaw can still contribute, but United may want a high-level competitor who can share the burden, raise the standard and provide a more sustainable future. That is where Balde becomes interesting. He is young, athletic and already experienced at Barcelona, yet his future appears less untouchable than it once did.

Patrick Dorgu is also part of United’s left-sided picture, but his development may not settle the issue. He can operate at left-back, although questions remain over his positioning, and his attacking qualities suggest he may be more natural as a wide player in the long term. If United believe Dorgu is better suited higher up the pitch, then signing a specialist left-back would make strategic sense.

Balde’s profile and Barcelona’s position

Balde is a La Masia graduate who has become a significant first-team player for Barcelona. His pace, recovery ability and technical comfort make him attractive in a modern full-back role. This season in La Liga, he has completed 92 percent of his passes, won 62 percent of his ground and aerial duels, and averaged four recoveries. Those numbers point to a player who can contribute in possession while still handling defensive duels.

There are caveats. Balde has dealt with minor muscle injuries in recent years, and United would need to assess that carefully before investing heavily. After years of managing Shaw’s availability, the club cannot afford to sign another left-back whose physical profile creates repeated uncertainty. Still, the age and ceiling are appealing. At 22, Balde has room to develop and could be rotated with Shaw rather than forced immediately into an excessive workload.

Barcelona’s situation is equally important. The Spanish club want to raise funds for their own summer activity, and Balde is reportedly considered dispensable because Joao Cancelo is already in the squad on loan from Al Hilal and is widely expected to join permanently. Barcelona are also looking at another quality left-back, which could open the door further. For now, though, Balde has not given the green light. That makes personal terms and player intention just as important as the transfer fee.

The Rashford angle

One reason this story has extra intrigue is the possible connection with Marcus Rashford. The United forward has spent the season on loan at Barcelona, and the Spanish side have a £26 million buy option. They are reportedly reluctant to pay that clause in one instalment. That opens the possibility of creative negotiation, including a part-exchange idea involving Balde, although United could also accept a long-term payment plan for Rashford if the left-back moves to Old Trafford.

Such arrangements are complex. Swap-style deals often sound simple from the outside, but they require agreement on valuations, wages, timing, player preference and accounting treatment. Rashford would need clarity on his own future, Balde would need to be willing to leave Barcelona, and both clubs would need to decide whether combining the operations actually benefits them. Still, the link is logical enough to monitor because both clubs may have overlapping needs.

• United are reportedly interested in Alejandro Balde as a summer left-back target.
• The potential package has been described at around £43 million.
• Barcelona may need to raise funds and could be open to selling.
• Marcus Rashford’s loan and buy option may influence negotiations.

A smart move, but only at the right price

Balde would be an ambitious signing for Manchester United. He fits the age profile of a club trying to build a more athletic and modern squad, and he would give Carrington a left-back with both technical and physical upside. He could also reduce the pressure on Shaw while allowing Dorgu’s role to be defined more naturally. On paper, the sporting logic is clear.

The caution is equally clear. United should not chase the deal blindly. They need medical confidence, a firm understanding of Balde’s desire to move and a disciplined price. If Barcelona’s need to raise funds is genuine, United should negotiate from a position of patience rather than urgency. A £43 million package may be acceptable for a long-term starter, but it becomes risky if injuries, adaptation or role uncertainty follow.

For now, this is a transfer to watch rather than a deal approaching completion. United’s interest makes sense, Barcelona may have financial reasons to listen, and Balde’s talent is obvious. The next step is whether the player becomes open to the move. Without that, the story remains potential. With it, United could have a serious opportunity to strengthen one of the most important positions in their squad.