Manchester City will not pursue 20-year-old Barcelona prospect Alejandro Balde, a target for Chelsea, in the summer transfer window.
According to a report by Spanish outlet SPORT, Alejandro Balde is the subject of interest from Chelsea. He was also a target for Manchester City over a possible move in the summer transfer window. But the Premier League champions have cooled their interest in the 20-year-old Barcelona prospect.
The Rise of Alejandro Balde
Alejandro Balde has been a part of the youth revolution at FC Barcelona under the tutelage of Xavi Hernandez. One of the most promising young prospects at the Catalan club, the Spanish international has already broken into his national team and growing in stature on the club and international levels.
The 20-year-old has turned out 76 times thus far for Barcelona, chipping in with one goal and eight assists. But he has lost some prominence in the 2023/24 season, with his performance levels dropping. Nonetheless, Balde’s stock remains high, with many high-profile clubs interested in him.
In Demand in the Premier League
Widespread reports have linked Alejandro Balde with several Premier League bigwigs, including Manchester United. But the latest update by SPORT has revealed Manchester City and Chelsea as the foremost suitors interested in the 20-year-old Barcelona prospect.
Recent reports have suggested that Pep Guardiola has been pushing Manchester City to sign Alejandro Balde in the summer transfer window. The Premier League champions are in the market for a left-back, with Guardiola utilising centre-backs in the position this season. So, Balde emerged as a viable target for Manchester City. But the Barcelona defender no longer features on their radar.
However, the 20-year-old Barcelona prospect remains on Chelsea’s wishlist ahead of the 2024 summer transfer window. The West London club will likely part ways with Marc Cucurella and Ian Maatsen ahead of the 2024/25 season. In addition, Ben Chilwell’s fitness woes mean Chelsea can do with a solid left-back. Alejandro Balde is thus an option worth considering.
With Manchester City pulling out of the race to sign the Spanish international, Chelsea will have a clearer run at him. Barcelona will have to sell some high-value players to make ends meet and afford new signings. So, it will be interesting to see if Chelsea can land the 20-year-old.
