Man Utd would prefer Alejandro Balde on loan with a purchase option

BARCELONA, SPAIN - AUGUST 19: Alejandro Balde of FC Barcelona is presented to the fans prior to the Joan Gamper Trophy between FC Barcelona and Al Ahly SC at Spotify Camp Nou on August 19, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Pablo Rodriguez/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images) | Getty Images Mancheste

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Manchester United are reportedly “monitoring” Alejandro Balde’s situation at Barcelona and are thinking about a season-long loan for the left-back.

An update on the situation from ESPN claims that Man Utd are indeed in the market for a left-back and “would prefer to negotiate a season-long loan deal with an option to make the move permanent.” Barcelona are said to Balde at €30m-€40m.

The report adds that the defender is due to have talks with Hansi Flick over his role before any decision is made on his future.

Balde’s future at the club has been thrown into doubt after he was left out of Barcelona’s squad to face Elche in their La Liga opener on Sunday.

Flick said that Balde needs to clear his head and insisted after the game he hadn’t told him to leave. However, the Barcelona boss also said he would talk to Balde today to try and clarify the situation.