Barcelona Open to Balde January Exit as Man Utd Circle

Manchester United have been handed fresh encouragement in their pursuit of Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde, with the Spanish club now open to sanctioning his departure in the January window.

The 23-year-old has made just five appearances this season and is still waiting for his first start, with Hansi Flick preferring Joao Cancelo and Xavi Espart at left-back. Even with Espart sidelined by an ankle problem, there is little sign of Balde’s situation improving.

Reports in Spain say Balde has now accepted he needs to leave Camp Nou to reignite his stalling career, and Barcelona are willing to listen to offers as they look to fund a significant signing of their own in the winter market.

A permanent deal on the table

Barcelona are understood to value the Spain international at around €40 million, and while a loan was explored earlier, the Catalan club would prefer a permanent sale — with his agent Jorge Mendes already holding talks with United, Liverpool and Aston Villa.

United’s left-back problem

United failed to strengthen at left-back in the summer and have been left short with Luke Shaw injured, making Balde an obvious target — although uncertainty over Michael Carrick’s future could yet complicate their January planning.

Source: Sports Mole