Boost for Man Utd as ‘Sensational’ £33m star wants EPL move in January; INEOS can only sign him on one condition

Manchester United might stand a genuine chance at landing Barcelona wantaway Alejandro Balde during the January transfer window.

A couple of years ago, the 23-year-old was considered one of the finest left-backs in the world. His former head coach, Xavi Hernandez, once hailed him as a ‘sensational’ player both in attack and defence. However, he has since suffered a sharp fall from grace.

The Spaniard now finds himself surplus to requirements at Hansi Flick’s court, as the German manager hasn’t been impressed by his performances in training and general attitude, so he cast him aside in favour of Joao Cancelo and the young Xavi Espart.

Man Utd target Alejandro Balde can leave Barcelona on permanent move

Last summer, Man Utd were widely expected to buy a new left-back who can add depth behind Luke Shaw. But after missing out on Lewis Hall, Jason Wilcox and co. decided to postpone the search to 2027.

But with Shaw struggling with fitness issues once again, the club has already been made to pay for the lack of summer investment. Michael Carrick has been forced to resort to emergency solutions, like switching Diogo Dalot and Ayden Heaven to left-back.

Therefore, United could be forced to act on this front when the transfer market reopens in January, with Balde re-emerging as a potential solution.

According to Mundo Deportivo, the Barcelona outcast has realised that leaving Camp Nou would be the best option to put his career back on the right track.

The Spanish source reveals that the full-back would be enticed by a Premier League experience, as Man Utd and their rivals, Manchester City, vie for his services.

The report adds that Barcelona are willing to send Balde packing in January, but only on a permanent transfer.

Should Man Utd chase Balde?

Due to Man City’s legal woes, the Red Devils could be better placed to sign Balde in January. Transfermarkt estimates the player’s value at €40 million or £33 million, which could be a sensible price given his ongoing struggles and his short-term contract (expiring in June 2028).

But based on the current evidence, United may want to further enquire about the left-back’s demeanour, as Carrington is already filled with players with questionable attitudes.

Flick had already accused Balde of complacency in training, and the fact that he hasn’t brought him back to the fold just yet suggests the manager has yet to change his viewpoint.

While a move to a new league could reignite a fire in the Spanish international, what MUFC need in these desperate times is truly committed professionals.