Alejandro Balde continues to be linked with a move to Manchester United and looks to have made a big decision on his Barcelona future
Alejandro Balde could be a transfer option for Manchester United in the January transfer window
Alejandro Balde could be a transfer option for Manchester United in the January transfer window(Image: (Photo By Javier Borrego/Europa Press via Getty Images))
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Manchester United transfer target Alejandro Balde has reportedly accepted he will have to leave Barcelona to get more minutes. The 23-year-old left-back was strongly linked with a move to Old Trafford in the summer transfer window, but decided to stay at the Catalan Club.
Balde has not started one game this season and has played just 116 minutes across four appearances from the bench. Joao Cancelo, Brian Farinas and Xavi Espart are the full-backs ahead of him in the pecking order but Balde has been handed more minutes in recent weeks.
Despite barely featuring, Barca boss Hansi Flick has been full of praise for Balde and his attitude. He said earlier this month: "It’s normal for a player to lose confidence when he’s not playing, but Balde is doing a great job in every training session.
"I have a tremendous amount of respect for Balde and I try to help him regain confidence in himself, that’s what the coaching staff should do. He’s trying to get back to his best level and I’m happy for him."
Returning to peak performance may need to happen elsewhere, however, with Mundo Deportivo reporting that he has accepted leaving Barcelona is the choice he must make to be handed more minutes.
Their report has specified that United are interested but that other English clubs could join the race. Balde, who has only played in Spain, is also attracted to the idea of Premier League football.
Barcelona value Balde at over £33.4million (€40m) and would be willing to sell in the January transfer window, as per Sport. The club have no plans to sanction a loan departure as they hope to raise funds mid-season to make more signings.
Balde was one of several left-backs linked to United along with Newcastle United's Lewis Hall and Joaquin Seys of Club Brugge. United are in desperate need of strengthening in defence with first-choice option Luke Shaw currently injured and Patrick Dorgu, who can also play in the role, absent since the September-October international break.
United have not won since football returned following that extended break, with Michael Carrick under huge pressure. In their last three games, United have scored just one goal and conceded nine.
Carrick and his players will be aiming to rectify that on Tuesday evening as they host AS Roma in the Champions League. United are also at Old Trafford for Sunday's Premier League clash against Aston Villa.