Alejandro Balde of Barcelona
Alejandro Balde of Barcelona
Despite the £25million arrival of Patrick Dorgu from Lecce in the January transfer window, Manchester United might be looking to sign more left-sided defenders this summer.
Dorgu became the second signing of the Ruben Amorim era on Sunday, February 2 and signed a five-and-a-half year deal at Old Trafford. The 20-year-old made his debut during last Friday's 2-1 win over Leicester City. He is expected to play a huge role for Amorim as he tries to turn the screw and improve the club's fortunes.
While Dorgu is anticipated to strengthen Amorim's squad, he may not be only left-back United target. With Tyrell Malacia and Luke Shaw's long-term future uncertain and Lisandro Martinez out for the foreseeable future, United could dip into the market in the summer to add another player in that position.
Malacia is on loan at PSV Eindhoven but the Eredivisie side have an option to buy, meaning that he might not return to United. Shaw has started a game for United since February 2024 and it's understood the club are unsure whether to risk having another injury-prone season from the England international.
Martinez, who has often been used on the left-side of the back three, tore his Anterior Cruciate Ligament against Crystal Palace earlier this month and is set to miss most of 2025. The Argentine has undergone surgery to fix the issue, though it's set to keep him out for a number of months.
With Diogo Dalot, a natural right-back, having to be used at left-wing back, Amorim is short of realistic options on that side and that is going to take signing a new one a priority. A left-back, alongside a proven centre forward, does feel like United's prime concern to address in the summer window.
But who might United target? Well, according to Fichajes, United are plotting an 'ambitious plan' to sign Barcelona talent Alejandro Balde. The 21-year-old has been a mainstay in Hansi Flick's team this season, having started 27 matches across all competitions, contributing with one goal and six assists.
Considering his attacking prowess and ability to keep the width on that left-hand side, Balde would be the perfect wing-back for Amorim's 3-4-2-1 system. Dribbling, passing and concentration are among his biggest strengths, though Balde's tackling is considered as his biggest weakness.
While that could be a concern, Amorim doesn't require his wing-backs to do much defending. He is much more focused on what they can do in an offensive position, and therefore that does suit Balde. His 90.4 per cent pass success rate and 1.7 completed dribbles per match is impressive.
A move for Balde might be difficult to firm up as he is an integral part of Barcelona's set up, but he is expected to receive offers and could be sold with the Spanish club's financial situation still dire. He has a contract to run until summer 2028 and might be temped to leave Barca for more long-term security.
Barca would have needed to sell a player or free up salary space to sign Marcus Rashford last month. There was talk that Andreas Christensen could be the man to move on, but the Dane was keen to stay in the Catalan region and fight for his place. The same applied to out-of-favour winger Ansu Fati.
Although Aston Villa ended up swooping for Rashford on loan, Barca sporting director Deco revealed that the club could have moved for Rashford but the move collapsed as the club didn't consider him as a "priority" recruit.
"The winter market is always difficult. It's true that in the past, there have been important moments for Barca, like the arrival of [Edgar] Davids, but there is no Davids available today in the market," Deco said.
"It's tough because the good players, those who can contribute, are not available. It's true that Rashford was talked about, and he could have come, but we weren’t desperately looking for a player."
Adding that a deal for Rashford was not a primary issue to solve, former Chelsea and Porto midfielder Deco explained: "We knew we were recovering players, and others were getting closer to their best versions. If he could have come, it would’ve been nice, but it wasn't a priority."
If Barcelona want to sign Rashford in the summer, a potential player-plus-cash deal involving Balde might be possible. If it is an option, United should take it with both hands.