Man Utd eye €40m for Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde after Carrick hint

Manchester United have prepared a €40 million (£33 million) bid for 22‑year‑old Alejandro Balde after Barcelona left the Spanish left‑back out of their La Liga squad for the opening match against Elche, and United manager Michael Carrick hinted at the club’s interest on Sunday.

Barcelona's squad cuts

Barcelona announced a 25‑man travelling squad for the La Liga opener against Elche, and Alejandro Balde was omitted, confirming Barcelona's intention to move the 22‑year‑old on the Camp Nou chopping block.

Marc Casado and Hector Fort were also left out, and both players, like Balde, are listed for sale.

Balde's future at the club looks uncertain as the Spaniard seeks a move before the transfer window closes on September 1.

United's €40m bid

Manchester United have entered talks with Balde’s agent Jorge Mendes, and the Red Devils are preparing a bid of €40 million (£33 million) for the left‑back.

The club is scouring the market for a left‑back after their recent 2‑0 loss to Hull.

Flick weighs competition

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick praised Balde’s quality in his pre‑match press conference but said he is not certain the 22‑year‑old can compete with new loanee João Cancelo.

“He’s a player of immense quality, and it’s important to know if he’s confident he can compete in his position,” Flick said.

Manchester United assistant Michael Carrick was quizzed on the left‑back search before the Premier League season began, and he replied, “I just think we’re looking to strengthen the squad.”

United started the season with a limp 2‑0 defeat away to newly promoted Hull.

United(Image: Alex Caparros/Getty Images) caption reads “Alejandro Balde is a target for Manchester United”, and ImagesAlejandro shows the player training with the squad.

The article also contains a promotional line “Get the deal here” for a Sky bundle, and the report was published on 23 Aug 2026.

João Cancelo returned to Barcelona on loan in January, capable of playing on both flanks, which reduced Balde’s minutes after his 2025‑26 campaign was already blighted by hamstring injuries.

OUR assessment notes that Balde’s playing time this week has taken a hit.

Lewis Hall of Newcastle was United’s top left‑back target earlier in the window, but the club deemed him unattainable as Newcastle have already lost three key players.

United have spent most of their budget on midfielders this summer.