Manchester United have made a call to Jorge Mendes to understand Alejandro Balde's situation at Barcelona, but the first read on this one is still the same. Fabrizio Romano says United are looking at a left-back and Balde, in principle, does not want to leave. Barcelona's contract position is strong too, with Balde tied down until summer 2028 and a €1 billion buyout clause in place.
United's enquiry and Barcelona's leverage
Romano's reporting leaves room for movement late in the window, but it also shows why this is a hard deal to force. On Metro, he said: "Manchester United are looking to sign a left-back, there is a possibility they will sign a left-back in the final few days of the summer window, that's what I expect."
That sits alongside a more restrictive update from TeamTalk: "Barcelona and Balde share a great relationship, Balde is a Barca boy. Balde, in principle, doesn't want to leave Barcelona. Balde would go only if it's Barcelona telling Balde, 'Okay you can go, we can sell you'."
The club side of it matters. Barcelona finished first in La Liga in 2025, and United are down in 16th in the Premier League. That gap in standing does not decide a transfer on its own, but it helps explain why Barcelona can hold their ground while United keep shopping.
Balde also has the weight of his own comments behind the same position. Speaking to Barca Universal, he said: "Barcelona is my home. I've been at this club for 16 years, my whole life. I want to succeed here, and my mind is here."
He added: "I'm a Barcelona fan, I'm from Barcelona. I won't be better anywhere else."
Balde has made 168 appearances for Barcelona and helped them win three La Liga titles. He is 22, under contract until 2028, and there is no sign here of a club leaning on him to move.
United can keep testing the door, and they clearly are. The evidence points to Barcelona being in control of it, with Balde's own stance pushing the same way.
Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 5 outlets. How we work →
