Manchester United’s pursuit of Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde is reportedly becoming increasingly serious, with the Spanish defender said to be open to a move to Old Trafford.
However, a major disagreement over the structure of the transfer could still prevent the deal from being completed before the window closes.
United are believed to be interested in bringing Balde in on a season-long loan, with an option to make the transfer permanent at a later stage.
The proposal would give Michael Carrick the opportunity to assess the 22-year-old over an entire campaign before Manchester United commit to a substantial permanent transfer fee.
Barcelona, however, reportedly have a completely different preference. The Catalan giants are said to want Balde to leave on a permanent basis and are reportedly looking for a fee in the region of €30 million to €40 million.
That has created a significant obstacle, as United are looking for flexibility while Barcelona want an immediate financial return.
Balde has become an attractive option for Manchester United because of his age, pace and attacking qualities.
The defender is capable of contributing at both ends of the pitch and has already gained considerable experience playing at the highest level despite being only 22.
United are still looking for additional competition and cover at left-back, with Luke Shaw and Patrick Dorgu currently among the options available to Carrick.
Adding Balde would provide another dynamic player who could offer greater speed and attacking energy from the defensive position.
The situation surrounding Balde at Barcelona has also increased speculation about his future. The defender was reportedly left out of Barcelona’s squad for their opening La Liga fixture against Elche.
Manager Hansi Flick reportedly explained that Balde was not in the best mental condition and needed some time to clear his mind.
That explanation has inevitably generated further questions about whether the player’s future at Camp Nou is becoming uncertain.
Barcelona’s reported preference for João Cancelo, combined with the emergence of young defender Xavi Espart, could also affect Balde’s position within the squad.
With competition for places increasing, a permanent departure could become a realistic option if the right offer arrives.
For Manchester United, however, the reported disagreement over the transfer structure remains the biggest issue. United would reportedly prefer to take Balde on loan before deciding whether to purchase him permanently, while Barcelona are looking for a straightforward sale that could generate between €30m and €40m.
There is also speculation that the proposed loan idea could be influenced by the structure surrounding Marcus Rashford’s move to Barcelona.
United may see a temporary arrangement as a practical way to strengthen their squad without immediately committing a huge amount of money.
From Barcelona’s perspective, though, selling Balde could provide valuable funds that could then be invested elsewhere in the squad.
The clock is now ticking as the transfer deadline approaches. United remain interested, Balde’s situation at Barcelona continues to attract attention, and both clubs appear to have different ideas about how the transfer should happen.
If Manchester United can convince Barcelona to accept their preferred arrangement, Balde could soon be heading to Old Trafford.
But if Barça refuse to compromise on their €30m–€40m valuation, United may have to decide whether to increase their commitment or walk away.
For now, Alejandro Balde’s future remains one of the intriguing transfer stories surrounding Manchester United.
