Manchester United baulk at £38.5m Balde fee as left-back search stalls after Hall setback

Manchester United have been offered the opportunity to sign Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde this summer but are reluctant to pay the €45m (£38.5m) fee the Spanish club are demanding, according to The Athletic.

United’s search for a left-back has grown more urgent after their primary target, Newcastle’s Lewis Hall, effectively became unavailable. Newcastle have refused to discuss a sale following the departure of several other key players, forcing manager Michael Carrick to look elsewhere for cover behind Luke Shaw, who is entering his 13th season at Old Trafford and has a well-documented injury history.

Balde, 22, has been left out of Barcelona’s recent squad activity, with head coach Hansi Flick publicly acknowledging the situation. “I spoke with Balde and told him that, in my opinion, he is not 100 per cent ready,” Flick said. “That he should sort out his thoughts, and then we will discuss it.” Barcelona are open to a sale but insist on a fee that United currently consider beyond their budget, with the club preferring an initial loan arrangement instead.

The player came through the Barcelona academy and has made 168 appearances for the club since his debut in 2021, with nearly two years remaining on his contract. He is understood to want guarantees of regular playing time before committing to staying for the 2026/27 season.

United’s hopes may hinge on agent Jorge Mendes, who represents both Balde and another left-back target, Jorge Salinas. The 19-year-old Racing Santander defender carries a release clause of just €16m (£13.6m), though Atletico Madrid are also in talks over a potential move.

Carrick does have other options in the squad. Patrick Dorgu has been used on the left wing rather than at full-back, while Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui are both considered more natural fits on the right side. Academy product Harry Amass has been made available for a loan exit.

The left-back position is the final gap United are looking to fill this summer. The club have already agreed a deal to sign Carlos Baleba from Brighton for a fee that could reach £70m, with the Cameroon international set to be announced after completing a medical. Baleba will join Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos in a rebuilt midfield under Carrick.