Man United dealt blow in pursuit of 'key player' in La Liga amid Inter Milan links
Manchester United have the chance to bolster their squad in the summer transfer window
Barcelona are keen to keep hold of ‘key player’ Alejandro Balde this summer amid links to Manchester United and Inter Milan, as per a report by Spanish news outlet Sport. He is a valuable member of Hansi Flick’s squad and they have no intention of cashing in on him in the next transfer window. His contract in La Liga expires in the summer of 2028.
The Red Devils are back in action on Monday night with an away trip to the Hill Dickinson Stadium to play Everton. They drew 1-1 against West Ham at the London Stadium last time out and remain 4th in the Premier League. Striker Benjamin Sesko scored their goal against the Hammers.
Manchester United transfer update regarding Alejandro Balde at Barcelona
United could see Balde as someone to boost their defensive department. If he made the move to Old Trafford, he would provide more competition and depth at the back. However, they will need to pursue other options if Barcelona don’t want to sell.
Balde, 22, is a Spain international with seven caps to his name. He joined Barca back in 2011 after a spell in the academy at Espanyol. The defender has since risen up through the ranks of the La Liga giants and was a regular at various different youth levels.
He made his first-team debut in 2021 after catching the eye for the B team. The left-back hasn’t looked back since and is now one of their most prized assets. He has made 158 appearances in all competitions, 32 of which have come this season.
What now for Manchester United?
Time will tell whether United will try and test Barcelona’s resolve with an offer for Balde later this year. In the meantime, they are focused on getting into the Champions League. Speaking ahead of their upcoming clash against Everton, interim boss Michael Carrick has said: “Listen, there's a lot goes into a game. David [Moyes]'s teams are hard to play against, you know, and he's such a good manager and with the experience he's got and knowing what it takes to have success in this league.
“It's a new challenge for us, you know? So, it’s one we're looking forward to. I think it's one where we've had a lot of time to look forward to it. So yeah, it's going to take a lot. I think going away to Everton, I know it's a new stadium, but historically it's always been tough, it’s always been the atmosphere and the supporters that they create, I think it's always been one of the toughest ones that I've played away from home. So, we were aware of that.
“And then trying to be our best way we can, you know. I think we've got things to improve on, but we've got a good base and a good foundation moving forward, good spirit. So, we'll have to draw on pretty much all of that on Monday night."