BARCELONA, SPAIN - MAY 10: Robert Lewandowski, Gavi, Ronald Araujo, Dani Olmo, Alejandro Balde and Raphinha of FC Barcelona celebrate as they pose for a photograph with the LaLiga EA Sports trophy, after defeating Real Madrid to secure the title, during the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid CF at Spotify Camp Nou on May 10, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain.
Alejandro Balde, who has ‘previously resisted’ a move away from Barcelona, could well be on the move in 2027.
According to reports in Spain (relayed by TeamTalk), the full-back’s limited role under Hansi Flick may lead to him pursuing a new venture elsewhere in order to increase his game time.
Alejandro Balde: The state of play
MADRID, SPAIN - OCTOBER 26: Alejandro Balde of FC Barcelona controls the ball during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Madrid CF and FC Barcelona at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on October 26, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
So far this season, Balde has featured for just a measly 12 minutes across all competitions.
The 22-year-old, who is tied to the Camp Nou until 2028, ranks behind the experienced Joao Cancelo and Xavi Espart, 19, in Flick’s pecking order.
Alejandro Balde is also being considered by Manchester United, with his future at Barcelona uncertain. Hansi Flick left Balde out of Barca’s squad for the game against Elche and said: “I spoke with Balde and told him that, in my opinion, he is not 100 per cent ready. That he… pic.twitter.com/gdVvbO8JP5 — The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) August 25, 2026
Last term, Balde was granted 42 appearances in total, 31 of which were from the off, so he’d have been crossing his fingers that he would continue playing a prominent role throughout 2026/2027.
Yet, just a month into the season, his hope will be starting to fade – hence being tipped to depart.
Balde has admirers at Old Trafford
JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA - JANUARY 11: Alejandro Balde of FC Barcelona warms up prior to the Spanish Super Cup Final between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid at King Abdullah Sports City Hall Stadium on January 11, 2026 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
It’s well known that Manchester United will be in the market for a left-back next year, though whether that’ll be in January or the summer remains to be seen.
From fans’ perspective, bringing one in as soon as possible, so in the winter, will be influential in the side’s results as they navigate three competitions (Premier League, Champions League and the FA Cup).
Michael Carrick is currently relying on Luke Shaw and Patrick Dorgu, both of whom have already sustained injury problems and missed fixtures in recent weeks.
Balde poses as a young but still proven option, albeit he has never tested himself outside of his native Spain.
#mufc made a call to Jorge Mendes this week to understand the conditions of a potential deal for Alejandro Balde. Mendes was considering the possibility, but at the moment Balde himself isn't pushing for a move. The only way a deal happens, as of now, is if Barcelona tell him he… — utdreport (@utdreport) August 21, 2026
Reports have also suggested that a name on United’s shortlist is Crystal Palace’s Tyrick Mitchell.
The 27-year-old is out of contract at Selhurst Park next June, and is garnering interest from the Red Devils, Liverpool and other sides in the division.
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LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 06: Michael Carrick, Manager of Manchester United, dejected after the Premier League 2026/27 match between Everton and Manchester United at Hill Dickinson Stadium on September 06, 2026 in Liverpool, England.
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