RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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Manchester United consider Barcelona star Alejandro Balde deal too expensive – Romano
Manchester United’s interest in Alejandro Balde has hit a financial obstacle, with the Premier League club understood to believe Barcelona’s valuation of the left-back is too high.
According to Fabrizio Romano , the latest discussions between Manchester United and Barcelona took place on Sunday, with Balde’s agent Jorge Mendes ensuring the English club was aware of the conditions for a potential transfer.
United, who are looking to strengthen at left-back, were primarily interested in taking the Spain international on loan.
Barcelona, though, have made their position clear: they want a permanent transfer if Balde is to leave.
Mendes has informed Manchester United that, as things stand, Barcelona’s preference is a permanent transfer or nothing, leaving the two clubs some distance apart, particularly because Balde himself remains keen to stay at Camp Nou.
Barcelona refuse to compromise on Balde valuation
Barcelona are not actively forcing Balde out of the club, but they are willing to listen to offers.
Manchester United feel Barcelona’s asking price for Balde is too high. (Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images)
The 22-year-old remains under contract until 2028 and is valued by Barcelona at around €40 million .
The Catalan club have no intention of reducing that figure simply to facilitate his departure, but that valuation has become the central issue in Manchester United’s pursuit.
United’s interest is genuine because they want another option at left-back, but the club do not currently consider Barcelona’s financial demands attractive enough to justify a permanent deal.
Their preference for a loan would allow them to address the position without committing to the full asking price.
However, Barcelona have little reason to accept those terms.
AC Milan enquired too
In recent weeks, AC Milan have also looked into the possibility of signing Balde, but they encountered the same obstacle.
Balde does not want to leave Barcelona. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)
Barcelona are not prepared to lower their financial expectations simply to move the defender on.
Meanwhile, there is another important factor working against a Manchester United transfer: Balde does not appear to be pushing for one.
The left-back wants to stay at Barcelona and compete for regular football under Flick.
While Barcelona are open to offers, they are not under pressure to accept a loan proposal, and Balde’s preference further reduces the urgency surrounding a transfer.
Unless Manchester United change their approach and become willing to meet Barcelona’s demands for a permanent transfer, the deal looks difficult to complete.
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