Manchester United awaiting player approval for €50m summer arrival

Manchester United are in the picture to sign Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde in the summer. 

Last month, Sport Witness covered claims from Spain that the Red Devils made contact over a move and are leading the way to try and secure his services.

The left-back came up through Barcelona’s academy and made his first team debut in 2021. The Spanish press has repeatedly said he has no plans to leave the Camp Nou.

This season, the Spain international played 2,590 minutes from 38 matches, managing three assists.

His La Liga stats are as follows:

• Appearances: 24
• Starts: 19
• Total minutes played: 1,658
• Minutes per game: 69
• Interceptions per game: 0.2
• Tackles per game: 1.4
• Possession won (final third): 0.4
• Recoveries per game: 3.5
• Duels won per game: 3.6

Manchester United keen on Barcelona player

Sport have a report on the Barcelona players who could be sold in the next window.

The La Liga winners need sales to bring in new faces to the club and without that, the task could become complicated. They have already identified players whose exit would not impact the team’s performances.

Alejandro Balde is one of them and his side would listen to offers for him or Jules Koundé.

Sport’s title say ‘Manchester United are after’ the 22-year-old and within the report, they explain the Red Devils’ plan for him.

The player doesn’t want to leave, but Michael Carrick’s side don’t seem to be giving up. Regardless, the Catalan media never admit a player would be tempted.

Manchester United are ‘willing to explore the possibility’ of signing Balde if he were to give approval.

If that happens, the Spanish giants ‘wouldn’t object’ his sale as long as there’s a convincing offer. The newspaper indicates an offer around €50m could convince them.

The Premier League side like the fullback and believe he could be a ‘market opportunity’. There won’t be any advances if the operation isn’t feasible or in other words, Balde opens the door for the transfer.

Barcelona won’t force him out and leave this case in hands of his agent, Jorge Mendes. The agent would have a key role to play if Manchester United or another club have to sign him.

On why the Catalan club want to offload him, Sport state: ‘Alejandro Balde’s name has been on the sporting director’s desk for weeks. And the reasons are obvious. He has lost his place in Hansi Flick’s system, his contract expires in 2028, and the club is exploring the market for left-backs, in addition to trying to sign João Cancelo, who is a regular starter on that flank.’

Balde’s injury record

Since the start of the 2023/24 season, the Spaniard has picked up six injuries and two are [hamstring/muscle] from this season.

During this period, Alejandro Balde has missed 286 days and 40 matches for Barcelona. This season, he missed 61 days and 10 matches.