Manchester United await signing approval from Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde: report

Manchester United target Alejandro Balde — Alejandro Balde faces a crucial decision regarding his future. (Image credit: Getty Images)

Manchester United are close to the signature of Barcelona’s 22-year-old fullback, now awaiting approval from Balde to secure his services.

Manchester United will need to submit a hefty bid to receive the signature of Alejandro Balde, with Barcelona open to being convinced of a sale.

Manchester United await approval from Alejandro Balde

According to a reports from Sport Witness and Sport, Manchester United, who once ‘led the way’ for Alejandro Balde, are awaiting approval directly from the player to pursue him further.

Balde, who graduated from Barcelona’s La Masia academy to first-team football, has started 19 La Liga games this season, appearing in 24, and has recorded impressive defensive statistics.

Alejandro Balde during a Barcelona game. — Balde will decide whether to approve Manchester United's advances. (Image credit: Getty)

The Spain international has averaged over three duels won and three recoveries per game for Barcelona, and recorded two assists in the process.

Manchester United are currently planning defensive and centre-of-the-park rebuilds, and were recently linked with a Bundesliga ‘assist machine’ who can play as both a natural right-back and winger.

Adding Balde into the mix, a similar mix of both defensive and attacking talent from the opposite flank, now hinges on the player’s approval for Manchester United to pursue him.

Reportedly, Barcelona are willing to entertain and are possibly open to a figure in the region of €50 million, however, the club will not force the La Masia graduate out.

Instead, Balde will decide his own future alongside agent Jorge Mendes, with both being aware of Barcelona’s desire to offload the 22-year-old.

Alejandro Balde of FC Barcelona looks on during the warm up prior to the UEFA Champions League match between FC Barcelona and Royal Antwerp FC. — The 22-year-old faces stiff competition in his position and Barcelona want to offload the player. (Image credit: David Ramos/Getty Images)

The Spain international, whose contract expires in 2028, has largely lost his place in Hansi Flick’s side on the left flank, with Joao Cancelo proving to be formidable competition.

Barcelona are chasing Cancelo’s signature – currently on loan in Spain from Saudi side Al-Hilal – and also exploring other left-back options in the market, leaving Balde’s future uncertain.

Manchester United view Balde as a ‘market opportunity’ and will be ready to pounce should the 22-year-old decide a Manchester arrival is his desire.

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Kedar Bayley is a trained journalist specialising in culture reporting. As a fan of Liverpool FC, he writes on the Reds often. Knowledgable about all things sports, cinema and television, you can find his words in Screen International, FourFourTwo, Manchester Evening News and more.