MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 16: Michael Carrick, Manager of Manchester United, looks on during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Manchester United and Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford on September 16, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 16: Michael Carrick, Manager of Manchester United, looks on during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Manchester United and Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford on September 16, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Manchester United are reportedly mulling over a move for Barcelona and Spain left-back Alejandro Balde ahead of the January transfer window.
Keen to bring in greater support and competition for Luke Shaw, 31, the Red Devils had identified left-back as an area of focus at the start of the summer.
However, United chiefs made it clear strengthening their central midfield was the club’s number one priority in the wake of Casemiro’s departure, and Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba all arrived through the doors at Old Trafford.
Newcastle and England full-back Lewis Hall was understood to be on United’s radar right until the transfer deadline, but securing a deal for the 22-year-old was always going to be an uphill battle.
Less football on the telly? Read about it instead
Our exclusive football newsletter cuts through the noise to deliver analysis and gossip straight to your inbox every week. Sign up now for free.
Hall went on to put pen to paper on a new long-term at St James’ Park and while a host of other left-backs were linked, Michael Carrick entered the new season with Shaw and Harry Amass as the only specialists in the position in his first-team squad.
Balde was among the left-backs mooted as a potential solution for United throughout the summer but according to Mundo Deportivo, the Spain international ‘didn’t even consider’ the prospect of leaving Barca.
Having been limited to a total of just 12 minutes this season, though, it’s claimed Balde may be forced think about whether or not he has a future with the reigning La Liga champions.
Alejandro Balde left-back of Barcelona and Spain during the Joan Gamper Trophy between FC Barcelona and Al Ahly SC at Spotify Camp Nou on August 19, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain.
Alejandro Balde left-back of Barcelona and Spain during the Joan Gamper Trophy between FC Barcelona and Al Ahly SC at Spotify Camp Nou on August 19, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain.
United are keeping close tabs on the Spain international (Picture: Getty)
Joao Cancelo established himself as Barca’s first-choice left-back last term and La Masia academy product Xavi Espart has also overtaken Balde in the pecking order under Hansi Flick this season.
The report suggests Flick ‘has noticed a stagnation’ in Balde’s level of performance both in matches and on the training ground and United are ‘keeping a close eye’ on the situation ahead of the January window.
Ask Metro
Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications.
While a summer move was never realistic for Balde, the winter market is said to ‘present a moment that could change his perception of the future’, especially if the Spaniard’s playing time fails to increase under Flick.
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video
Balde has two years remaining on his current contract at the Camp Nou.
Speaking earlier this month, Barca head coach Flick called on an ‘unhappy’ Balde to rise to the challenge and ‘bring out the best version’ of himself amid fierce competition for places in Catalonia.
‘We have five full-backs – two on the right and three on the left,’ the German told reporters.
Mandatory Credit: Photo by Matthieu Mirville/DPPI/Shutterstock (17137558b) Alejandro BALDE of Barcelona during the spanish championship LaLiga football match between Valencia CF and FC Barcelona on 6 September 2026 at Mestalla Stadium in Valencia, Spain - Photo Omar Arnau / Matthieu Mirville / DPPI FOOTBALL - SPANISH CHAMP - VALENCIA CF v FC BARCELONA, Valence, Spain - 06 Sep 2026
Mandatory Credit: Photo by Matthieu Mirville/DPPI/Shutterstock (17137558b) Alejandro BALDE of Barcelona during the spanish championship LaLiga football match between Valencia CF and FC Barcelona on 6 September 2026 at Mestalla Stadium in Valencia, Spain - Photo Omar Arnau / Matthieu Mirville / DPPI FOOTBALL - SPANISH CHAMP - VALENCIA CF v FC BARCELONA, Valence, Spain - 06 Sep 2026
‘Nobody expected Xavi Espart to play at this level. Balde needs to bring out his best version. He is already doing that in training.
[The Premier League trophy banner on display at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester, home to Manchester City. Manchester City have been found guilty on virtually all counts of breaching the Premier League's financial rules, according to reports. Picture date: Friday September 25, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Gary Oakley/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent from rights holder.
The Premier League trophy banner on display at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester, home to Manchester City. Manchester City have been found guilty on virtually all counts of breaching the Premier League's financial rules, according to reports. Picture date: Friday September 25, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Gary Oakley/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent from rights holder.](https://metro.co.uk/2026/09/26/man-city-told-most-likely-punishment-man-utd-wait-title-verdict-29655524/)
‘[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.’
For more stories like this, check our sport page.