Manchester United were linked with Alejandro Balde during the summer transfer window but a move to Old Trafford never materialsied and he has stayed in Catalonia
Alejandro Balde looks on
Alejandro Balde has yet to play a single minute for Barcelona this season(Image: Jose Breton/NurPhoto via Getty)
View 2 Images
Barcelona boss Hansi Flick has called on Manchester United-linked Alejandro Balde to "bring out his best version". It comes as the left-back has been left out of every match so far this season.
The 22-year-old was of interest to United during the recent summer transfer window, although club sources played down their chances of signing him. The Catalan club valued their academy graduate at around £30million, according to sources in Spain, and were not interested in loaning him out.
But a move to Old Trafford or elsewhere failed to materialise, and he stayed put at the Camp Nou. Balde would have hoped to get straight back into Flick's starting 11 once his future was resolved for the time being.
But the full-back has not played a minute for Barca so far this season - remaining on the bench for their last five fixtures, which have all been victories. Now, Flick has had his say on Balde's situation via Spanish publication Sport.
He said: "We have five full-backs—two on the right and three on the left. Nobody expected Xavi Espart to play at this level. Balde needs to bring out his best version. He is already doing that in training.
*FOLLOW OUR MAN UNITED FB PAGE!Latest news and analysis via the MEN’s Manchester United Facebook page*
"[I understand] that the player is not happy, because he wants to play and isn't getting minutes. He was key over the last two years.
"Things change. There's a different dynamic now, and we have to manage it.
"He is doing well, and I am happy with him. It's not an easy situation; it's a competition for a position."
Alejandro Balde left-back of Barcelona and Spain during the warm-up during the LaLiga EA Sports 2026/27 match between FC Barcelona and Rayo Vallecano de Madrid at Spotify Camp Nou on August 31, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain
Balde was heavily linked with Manchester United(Image: Jose Breton/NurPhoto)
View 2 Images
Signing a left-back to compete with Luke Shaw this summer had been among the priorities for United, but no deal was agreed before the transfer window shut on September 1. That has left an area of weakness on the Reds' left-hand side.
Patrick Dorgu has been unconvincing in that position while makeshift options Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui remain natural right-backs. Academy prospect Harry Amass is another candidate, though he lacks top-flight experience.
Newcastle United defender Lewis Hall was viewed as an ideal addition in that area of the pitch, but a move for the Magpies' full-back was always going to be difficult after they sold Anthony Gordon, Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali.
The 22-year-old has since signed a new contract at St James' Park and looks set to stay for the foreseeable future.