Manchester United close in on Alejandro Balde as left-back crisis deepens

Manchester United are edging closer to signing Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde in January, with Mundo Deportivo sources reporting the Spanish international is now open to leaving the Catalan club after a difficult start to the season.

Balde, 23, has fallen down the pecking order at Barcelona under Hansi Flick, with Joao Cancelo and Xavi Espart preferred at left-back. Having come through the club’s La Masia academy, the defender is now said to be “attracted to the idea” of a move to revitalise his career, a significant shift from the summer when he chose to stay and fight for his place at Camp Nou.

United’s need at left-back is acute. First-choice Luke Shaw remains sidelined through injury, young prospect Patrick Dorgu has struggled to convince in the role and is also currently injured, and Diego Dalot has been filling in as a makeshift option in recent weeks. A new arrival could also ease the burden on Lisandro Martinez, who was sent off against Chelsea at the weekend after receiving two yellow cards in quick succession.

Manager Michael Carrick has overseen a difficult run of results, with United winless in their last several fixtures across all competitions. The defensive record has been particularly alarming — the club has conceded nine goals in their previous three games across the Premier League and Champions League.

United did strengthen in midfield during the summer, bringing in Youri Tielemans, Carlos Baleba and Andrey Santos, but left-back was an area left unaddressed despite the existing concerns over Shaw’s fitness.

Balde is valued at around €40 million by Transfermarkt. Barcelona, for their part, are reportedly willing to sell, with the club harbouring concerns over his concentration in defensive situations.

Whether United move quickly enough to complete a deal remains to be seen, but the combination of squad need, player availability and reported mutual interest suggests the January window could bring movement on this front.