Manchester United look set to miss out on Barcelona's Alejandro Balde after the clubs failed to agree a fee, and time is running out for the Red Devils to sign a new left-back
Alejandro Balde
Alejandro Balde's move to Man Utd now appears unlikely(Image: Getty Images)
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Manchester United are reportedly set to step back from a move for Alejandro Balde after talks with Barcelona highlighted a major gap in valuation. United had identified the Spaniard as a possible addition as they look to strengthen their defensive depth and add cover for Luke Shaw.
Bringing in a left‑back has been one of United's priorities before Tuesday's (September 1) transfer deadline. Shaw played every Premier League game last season, becoming only the fifth United player to do so but is unlikely to manage two fixtures per week with the Champions League returning.
Balde emerged as a serious option in the final stretch of the window, particularly after Newcastle United refused to budge on Lewis Hall, who is viewed internally as United's preferred left‑back target. Barcelona's signing of Joao Cancelo, coupled with the rise of Xavi Espart, further encouraged United to assess the possibility of a deal for Balde.
While Barcelona are not actively looking to move Balde on, they remain open to offers. According to Fabrizio Romano, further talks took place on Sunday involving both clubs and Balde's representative, Jorge Mendes, who set out the terms required for any transfer to proceed.
As things stand, the two parties remain poles apart. United are believed to consider the deal 'too expensive' and favour a loan arrangement with an option to buy, while Barcelona's position is firmly a 'permanent transfer or nothing.'
AC Milan are also reported to have explored the prospect of signing Balde but encountered the same financial stumbling block.
Alejandro Balde
Balde playing for Barcelona(Image: Getty Images)
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Balde, who remains under contract until 2028, carries a price tag of around €40m (£34m). While a deal for the 22-year-old now looks unlikely, United are still keen on bringing in another left-back before the 11pm deadline.
When quizzed on whether United would make further additions, head coach Michael Carrick said following his side's 5-2 victory over Ipswich Town: "It's always difficult to say, to be honest, when there's so little time left.
"I think the situation that we're in, I think the business that we've managed to do, I'm pleased with. I think we're a better group, a better squad, potentially a better team.
"Adding Marcus [Rashford] into that feels like a new signing. So, in that respect, we're quite happy.
"We're always open to if there's something else to be able to add, so I wouldn't shut that down, but as it stands, we'll have to wait and see."
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