Alejandro Balde has reportedly accepted he will need to leave Barcelona to secure more playing time, with Manchester United monitoring the situation. The 23-year-old left-back was strongly linked with a move to Old Trafford during the summer transfer window but opted to remain at the Catalan club.
Limited Game Time This Season
Balde has not started a single game this season and has played just 116 minutes across four substitute appearances. Joao Cancelo, Brian Farinas and Xavi Espart are currently ahead of him in the pecking order, though Balde has been given more minutes in recent weeks.
Despite his limited role, Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has praised Balde's attitude. Flick said earlier this month: "It's normal for a player to lose confidence when he's not playing, but Balde is doing a great job in every training session."
"I have a tremendous amount of respect for Balde and I try to help him regain confidence in himself, that's what the coaching staff should do. He's trying to get back to his best level and I'm happy for him," Flick added.
United's Interest and Valuation
According to Mundo Deportivo, Balde has accepted that leaving Barcelona is the choice he must make to earn more minutes. The report indicates United are interested, but other English clubs could also join the race. Balde, who has only played in Spain, is attracted to the idea of Premier League football.
Barcelona value Balde at over £33.4 million (€40m) and would be willing to sell in the January transfer window, as per Sport. The club have no plans to sanction a loan departure, hoping to raise funds mid-season for more signings.
Defensive Needs at United
Balde was one of several left-backs linked to United, along with Newcastle United's Lewis Hall and Club Brugge's Joaquin Seys. United are in desperate need of defensive reinforcement, with first-choice option Luke Shaw currently injured and Patrick Dorgu, who can also play in the role, absent since the September-October international break.
United have not won since football returned following that extended break, with Michael Carrick under huge pressure. In their last three games, United have scored just one goal and conceded nine. Carrick and his players will aim to rectify that on Tuesday evening when they host AS Roma in the Champions League, followed by a Premier League clash against Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Sunday.
