Following the imminent £65m signing of Carlos Baleba, Manchester United have reportedly approached Barcelona's Alejandro Balde to bolster their defensive options.
- Manchester United have approached Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde.
- The club is nearing a £65m deal for Brighton's Carlos Baleba.
- Manager Michael Carrick seeks defensive cover for Luke Shaw.
- Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reports Balde's preference to stay at Barca.
Manchester United are ramping up their transfer activity as the summer window enters its critical final stages. After closing in on a massive £65 million deal for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, manager Michael Carrick has turned his attention toward reinforcing the defense with Barcelona sensation Alejandro Balde.
The pursuit of Balde comes after a series of midfield reinforcements. United have already secured Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa and Andrey Santos from Chelsea. However, the departure of Casemiro left a void in the engine room that Carrick is desperate to fill, making the Baleba signing a pivotal moment for the squad's structural rebuild.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that Manchester United's strategy is shifting toward high-potential, younger talent to ensure long-term stability. With a return to the Champions League on the horizon, the pressure to provide competition for Luke Shaw has become a top priority for the Old Trafford hierarchy.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed that United have held talks with agent Jorge Mendes to gauge Balde's availability.
Despite the interest from the Premier League, the path to Old Trafford is not straightforward. Balde, a 22-year-old academy graduate with 168 appearances for Barcelona, remains deeply connected to the Spanish club. Furthermore, his contract runs until 2028 and includes a staggering €1 billion buyout clause.
United's initial target, Lewis Hall from Newcastle United, proved to be an impossible move as Newcastle refused to sell. This has forced Carrick to pivot toward the Barcelona star, even though Romano suggests Balde's primary desire is to remain at the Camp Nou.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: How much will Manchester United pay for Carlos Baleba?
Answer: United are reportedly closing in on a deal worth approximately £65 million.
Question 2: Is Alejandro Balde definitely moving to Man Utd?
Answer: Not yet; while United have approached his agent, Balde is reportedly keen on staying at Barcelona.