Manchester United have reportedly decided to put everything they have into the effort to sign Alejandro Balde from Barcelona when the January transfer window opens. The campaign cannot be rescued without the services of a top-class left-back, and the former champions are preparing to convince Balde to stop being a fringe player in Catalonia to become a regular starter in Manchester, reports indicate.
When Manchester United made a move in the summer, the Spaniard remained adamant that he wished to stay and fight for his place at Camp Nou. His situation has not improved, and United are reportedly hopeful that the full-back will reconsider. Barcelona are cruising, but the 23-year-old has only had 101 minutes domestically and another 16 minutes in the Champions League.
Xavi Espart and Joao Cancelo are preferred over him any day by Flick, and Barca are open to discussing a loan deal for the youngster, TEAMtalk said in a report. Quoting Spanish journalist Juan Jesus, the website claimed that Balde remains on the club's "for sale" list and even injuries to Flick's favourite full-backs cannot guarantee him a place in the project. Balde is disappointed by this development and no longer enjoys a cordial bond with the manager—presenting a golden opportunity for the Red Devils.
"The relationship between Hansi Flick and Alejandro Balde is completely broken and glacial. They barely speak to each other, and the player is relegated in training to secondary roles to patch up absences. In the face of what they consider total disrespect, Balde’s entourage now assumes that leaving in January is the best option. His stance has changed regarding what happened in the summer. Manchester United is 100% after the player and is going all out to close his signing this very winter," Juan Jesus reportedly said.
Balde is a La Masia graduate and is contracted until 2028. Apart from United, Benfica were also linked to the left-footed star, whose current market value is said to be around €50 million.
Newcastle United's Lewis Hall was tracked by Manchester United, but the Magpies categorically denied any move as they had already lost several other key players. Luke Shaw definitely needs a backup as the season progresses, and it was said that Balde was identified as an alternative option if the Hall deal failed to materialise.
