FC Barcelona is reconsidering Alejandro Balde's future amid interest from Manchester United. Doubts about his position as a guaranteed starter have emerged following changes in the coaching staff.
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Alejandro Balde could be on his way out of FC Barcelona this summer amid interest from Manchester United.
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FC Barcelona are starting to have doubts about left back Alejandro Balde according to AS, which cited anonymous sources.
The La Masia left back was once an untouchable star at the Spotify Camp Nou. Coming up under Ronald Koeman, he has faced little competition for the left back position as a guaranteed starter through the Xavi Hernandez era and on to Hansi Flick’s reign.
That was until the turn of 2026, however, when Joao Cancelo landed in Catalonia for a second loan spell.
Many Culers groaned when hearing the Portuguese journeyman would don their colours again after a loose cannon assignment in 2023/2024, which finished trophyless and spelled the end of Xavi’s watch.
Under Flick in a different system, however, Cancelo has been born again. He can run free up top as Gerard Martin switches to provide cover in a back three, and he’s not scared of drifting into the middle either.
Though there is a lot to iron out with his parent club, Al-Hilal, it’s possible that Cancelo becomes a permanent member of the squad if his rumoured asking price of €15 million is accurate.
FC Barcelona's doubts about Alejandro Balde stem from his recent performance and the emergence of competition for the left back position.
Manchester United is reportedly interested in signing Alejandro Balde from FC Barcelona.
The transition from Ronald Koeman to Xavi Hernandez and now Hansi Flick has raised questions about Balde's role as a guaranteed starter.
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That can play a big factor in Balde moving on. But of course interest from Premier League clubs such as Manchester United is important too.
According to SPORT, the Red Devils want the full back if he’s interested in joining them, and agent Jorge Mendes will play a big role in the potential moves of his clients Cancelo and Balde between three different clubs.
While Balde was previously the golden boy in Can Barca, the club’s financial situation doesn’t allow them not to listen to an offer of over €50 million for the former Spain left back.
That’s not much more than what it is thought Inter Milan will ask for centre-back Alessandro Bastoni. And Barca can still have change if they spend the €15 million on Cancelo.
Furthermore, Balde presents pure profit for the Catalans in any sale given he is an academy product reared in La Masia from the age of seven.
This summer will be an important one for his future, and maybe this La Liga title about to be sealed will be his last at FC Barcelona for now.
This article was originally published on Forbes.com