The latest transfer talk from Sunderland as the Black Cats are named as a possible destination for a Barcelona star.
Sunderland are reportedly one of several clubs that have been contacted over a possible loan deal for Barcelona full-back Alejandro Balde.
The La Masia product made a spectacular introduction to life at a senior level at the Camp Nou as he become a key player under Xavi as the Barca legend led his beloved club to the La Liga title during the 2022/23 season. At the age of just 22, Balde has already made 169 appearaces for the Catalan giants and has earned seven caps at senior level for Spain. However, he has made just one appearance in any competition so far this season and that came as a second-half substitute in a 7-2 hammering of Racing Santander prior to the international break.
Barcelona's Alejandro Balde is among Man United's left-back transfer targetsplaceholder image
Barcelona's Alejandro Balde is among Man United's left-back transfer targets | Getty Images
Reports have suggested Balde is now third or fourth choice left-back as Hansi Flick’s side look to retain their La Liga title with Xavi Espart, Joao Cancelo and Gerard Martin all named in starting lineups ahead of him throughout the first two seven weeks of the campaign. However, the Barca boss did seem to offer some hope to the defender last month when he was asked about what could lie ahead.
He said: “He’s a player of immense quality, and it's important to know if he's convinced he can compete in his position. That's what I want to see from all my players. I need everyone to be one hundred percent, totally committed”.
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Despite those comments, there have been reports stating Balde could make a move to the Premier League over the last year and the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool were linked with a move for his services in recent months. However, TeamTALK have reported Balde’s representatives are ‘working hard on options away from Catalunya’ and stated Barcelona have given him permission to seek a move elsewhere.
The same report names Sunderland, Everton and Fulham as clubs that have been contacted over the possibility of agreeing a loan deal during the January transfer window as the left-back approaching the final 18 months of his current contract.