Barcelona announcement could change everything for Man Utd’s transfer plans

Robin Bairner

• 15 Feb 2024 12:33 GMT
• 3 min read

Manchester United face a challenging summer transfer window, but the door has been opened to one potential deal that would clearly strengthen their squad.

According to reports from Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona are refusing to rule out the sale of Alejandro Balde, who could be the full-back upgrade that Erik ten Hag has been craving for his side almost since arriving at Old Trafford.

The 20-year-old left-back could be one of the players sacrificed by the Catalan club as they attempt to ease the financial crisis they face.

Balde has a release clause in his Barcelona contract, which runs until 2028, that is worth €1 billion, and while Man Utd will clearly not trigger this, it is stated that a “succulent proposal” could be enough to tempt Barcelona into a sale.

Man Utd are reportedly seeking an upgrade to Luke Shaw on the left, and Balde could help provide that.

Although data analytics firm SciSports report that he would only be Man Utd’s 16th best player if he was parachuted into the squad at the moment, the Spain international has the potential to become United’s star – and it’s not even close.

The experts calculate that his maximum SciSkill score – worked out using hundreds of in-game data points – is 132.7.

Man Utd’s current best player, for comparison, is Bruno Fernandes on just 109.7.

Rasmus Hojlund, meanwhile, is second in terms of potential ceiling, scoring 119.6.

Potential threats

Man Utd would not be alone in having their interest piqued by Balde, with their main competition for the player set to come from elsewhere in the Premier League given its spending power and prominence.

Liverpool could be a danger given they are in need of a long-term replacement for Andy Robertson in the left-back area.

Chelsea might be seen as rivals, too, but they are likelier to put their money elsewhere this summer, while Arsenal already seem set in this position thanks to Oleksandr Zinchenko.

Manchester City, of course, could be attracted by Balde, especially given Pep Guardiola’s history with Barcelona, yet their signing of Josko Gvardiol last summer for the role suggests he is the chosen one for this iteration of their squad.