La Liga champions Barcelona are reportedly contemplating selling Alejandro Balde amid his links with Manchester United and Manchester City.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Alejandro Balde might not be a Barcelona player in the 2023/24 season. The reigning La Liga champions are mulling over parting ways with the 20-year-old in the summer transfer window. That has come as a boost for Manchester City and Manchester United.
The Rise of Alejandro Balde
Alejandro Balde is one of several youngsters to benefit from Barcelona’s never-ending financial issues. Academy graduates like Gavi, Lamine Yamal, Fermin Lopez, and Pau Cubarsi have become household names after securing game time under Xavi Hernandez. Balde also falls in that category.
The 20-year-old had to bide his time before becoming the first-choice left-back, as he had to compete with Barcelona legend Jordi Alba in the last few years. He has amassed 2,000 minutes of game time across 28 appearances in all competitions, chipping in with a goal and an assist. Balde has also become a regular for the Spanish national side in the last 18 months.
But the youngster faces an uncertain future at the Catalan club, with the financial complications forcing the Blaugrana to consider selling high-value assets in the summer transfer window. Such a situation has piqued the interest of Premier League bigwigs, including Manchester City and Manchester United.
Premier League Move on the Horizon?
Pep Guardiola reportedly wants Manchester City to sign Alejandro Balde from Barcelona in the summer transfer window. Sergio Gomez has not won over the former Barcelona manager, who has used Josko Gvardiol and Nathan Ake as the first-choice left-backs this season. So, Balde is a viable target for Manchester City.
As for Manchester United, the Red Devils have suffered this season due to the fitness issues of Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia. So, it is hardly surprising that recent reports have suggested the Red Devils want to sign a left-back in the summer transfer window. Balde is thus an option worth considering.
With Barcelona considering parting ways with the Spanish international, Manchester City and Manchester United will be attractive destinations. But Balde might not be eager to leave Barcelona anytime soon. So, it will be interesting to see if an adventure in the Premier League is on the cards.
