United drop Balde pursuit after valuation gap leaves Barcelona deal too expensive

Manchester United are set to walk away from a move for Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde after discussions between the two clubs and the player’s agent, Jorge Mendes, failed to bridge a substantial difference in valuation, according to Fabrizio Romano.

United had identified the 22-year-old Spain international as a potential solution to their left-back problem ahead of Tuesday’s transfer deadline, with Luke Shaw unable to sustain a full schedule across the Premier League and Champions League. Shaw started every Premier League game last season — becoming just the fifth United player to do so — but the club have long acknowledged the need for genuine competition in that position.

The sticking point is financial. United are understood to regard the deal as too expensive and favour a loan with an option to buy, while Barcelona’s position is a permanent transfer or nothing. Balde, who is contracted until 2028, is valued at around €40m (£34m). AC Milan also explored a move for the defender but encountered the same obstacle.

Balde had moved up United’s shortlist in the final weeks of the window after Newcastle United refused to sell Lewis Hall, who remains the club’s preferred target at left-back. Barcelona’s acquisition of João Cancelo and the emergence of academy product Xavi Espart had given United reason to believe a deal might be possible, prompting further talks on Sunday involving both clubs and Mendes.

Despite the Balde pursuit stalling, Romano has suggested United still intend to sign a left-back before the 11pm deadline on September 1.

Head coach Michael Carrick, speaking after United’s 5-2 win over Ipswich Town, did not close the door on further business. “It’s always difficult to say, to be honest, when there’s so little time left,” he said. “I think the business that we’ve managed to do, I’m pleased with. I think we’re a better group, a better squad, potentially a better team. Adding Marcus [Rashford] into that feels like a new signing. We’re always open to if there’s something else to be able to add, so I wouldn’t shut that down, but as it stands, we’ll have to wait and see.”