Manchester United preparing €30 million offer for Barcelona defender

Manchester United could make a late move for Barcelona defender Alejandro Balde, with a new report from El Larguero claiming that the Premier League club is preparing a potential €30 million offer before the transfer window closes.

The future of the 22-year-old left-back has attracted growing attention in recent weeks, particularly amid reports of a change in his relationship with Barcelona manager Hansi Flick. 

While there has been no suggestion that Flick has directly told Balde to leave, the German has indeed urged the defender to raise his level and improve his focus during what could be an important season for his development.

That situation has opened the door to speculation over a possible transfer, although Balde himself is not understood to be actively seeking an exit from Barcelona.

According to El Larguero, an intermediary with international contacts has indicated that Manchester United are considering a €30 million proposal for Balde.

The potential bid is being prepared for the closing stages of the transfer window.

Manchester United are preparing an offer for Alejandro Balde. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

Barcelona, for their part, would be willing to study an offer in the region of €30-35 million, provided Balde is also open to the move. 

That leaves room for negotiations should a formal proposal arrive from Old Trafford.

The key factor, though, could ultimately be the player’s own decision.

Despite recent uncertainty surrounding his role, Balde remains determined to fight for his place at Barcelona. 

The Spanish international believes he can still convince Flick and is not willing to leave the club simply because his position in the squad has become less secure.

At 22, Balde still has plenty of time on his side and the potential to regain the confidence of his manager. 

Balde is not pushing to leave Barcelona. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)

He appears to see the current situation as a challenge rather than a reason to seek a new destination immediately.

In fact, reports suggest he would only consider leaving Barcelona if a genuinely attractive opportunity emerged. As things stand, he is not actively pushing for a transfer.

Barcelona are also believed to be relatively well prepared for a possible departure. 

The club has enough options to cover the left-back position, including Joao Cancelo and Gerard Martin, so they would not necessarily be left short if Balde were to move on.

Still, his exit is far from a certainty. Barcelona may be prepared to consider the right financial proposal, but the player’s desire to remain and prove himself under Flick remains a major part of the equation.