Good news for Man United? Why an Alejandro Balde exit from Barcelona seems inevitable this winter

By Axel Clody | 11 Sep 2026 12:01, Last updated: 11 Sep 2026 12:04

Alejandro Balde was a talking point throughout the last transfer window. Considered a possible departure, the left-back was reportedly on the radar of Manchester United, Benfica and Aston Villa.

Manchester United's interest was far from casual: the club held preliminary talks with his representative, Jorge Mendes, towards the end of August, with reports suggesting United's preferred approach was a loan deal containing an option, rather than an obligation, to buy.

United even made a last-ditch approach on deadline day itself, according to Spanish outlet Jijantes FC, as they scrambled to solve their long-standing left-back problem following a £150 million midfield rebuild.

Ultimately, however, the financial complexity of a permanent deal, combined with Balde's own reluctance to leave, meant the move never materialised.

Ultimately, the Spain international, who wanted to remain at the club where he came through the academy, stayed in Catalonia. A decision he may come to regret. Indeed, Balde has still not played a single match this season. Hansi Flick left him on the bench for the Blaugrana's opening five fixtures.

Young left-back Xavi Espart, who impressed during pre-season, has earned his place and continues to impress the coaching staff.

There is also Joao Cancelo, whom the German manager started this week in the Champions League against Feyenoord, ahead of Alejandro Balde in the left-back rotation.

This summer, Alejandro Balde made the decision to stay at Barcelona in order to fight for his place as a starter. Hansi Flick had already warned him that he expected more from him before granting him that status.

Should he fail to overturn the pecking order, Alejandro Balde could reconsider his future in January, according to AS.

Either way, Barcelona remain patient with their academy graduate.

"He's our player, he's 22 years old and has a great future ahead of him," Deco said on RAC1. "He needs to prove himself against the others. In his first year with Flick, he was spectacular. Last year, he was injured. But if the Balde we know comes back, it's unlikely he won't play for Barcelona."

It remains to be seen, then, whether Balde will have the patience to wait for his moment, and the strength of character required to seize his chance when it arises, in order to shake up the pecking order.

His future at Barcelona depends on it, as the Catalan club would have little interest in keeping its third-choice left-back this winter, particularly given his considerable market value.

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