According to a report by TeamTalk on Friday October 16, 2026, after rumors circulated that Barcelona manager Hansi Flick had encouraged young left-back Alejandro Balde to contemplate a move away from the Spanish champions, Manchester United received positive news about their pursuit of the defender.

When United were looking to bolster their left back position during the summer transfer window, they considered signing Balde. The 22-year-old, though, stayed put at Barcelona after talks failed to yield a deal.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Barcelona is open to selling Balde permanently but is hesitant to authorize a loan deal. As a result, Manchester United were unable to arrive at their target defensive reinforcement prior to the transfer window's closure.

The Spanish defender is still a target for United's co-owners INEOS. Balde is still a long-term goal for the Premier League club as they look to bolster their left flank.

Graeme Bailey of TEAMtalk reports that, despite Balde's recent struggles and limited opportunities under Barcelona's current coaching arrangements, the United recruitment department believes he possesses considerable potential.

Since United would want to see how the defender does in English football before committing to a permanent transfer, a loan deal could be appealing. There has been talk in the club's football department about a potential January loan.

Manchester United may have a second chance to rekindle their pursuit of Balde if reports indicate that Barcelona are willing to temporarily let him leave during the January transfer window.

According to Juan Jesus, a Spanish journalist, Flick recently had a final meeting with Balde, during which he explained that Xavi Espart and Joao Cancelo pose a threat to Balde's regular first-team game time.

Flick allegedly urged the defender to think about leaving so he could advance professionally, according to Jesus. Especially since Barcelona is Balde's dream club, the conversation allegedly made him cry.

Manchester United is said to be one of several clubs interested in the left back, and they could start looking for a deal as soon as January. Any transfer is still up in the air until talks move forward and a deal is struck between the clubs and the player, but Flick's purported stance might give them an advantage.