Man United could land Barcelona star on loan after major January development

Manchester United could be handed another chance to sign Alejandro Balde in January, with Barcelona now reportedly open to letting the left-back leave on loan.

The 22-year-old has barely featured this season after slipping down Hansi Flick’s pecking order. That has changed the picture quite quickly.

Balde had wanted to stay at Barcelona during the summer, but with regular football proving hard to come by, a temporary move is now looking far more realistic.

Barcelona ready to let Balde leave on loan

According to TEAMtalk, Barcelona have given Balde permission to explore a January move, with Manchester United among the clubs sounded out about a possible loan.

Liverpool have also been offered the chance to sign him, while Sunderland, Everton and Fulham have reportedly been contacted by intermediaries.

Balde has made just one first-team appearance this season, playing the final 12 minutes of Barcelona’s 7-2 win over Racing Santander. He is currently behind Xavi Espart and Joao Cancelo in the pecking order, with Gerard Martin also competing for minutes.

His contract runs until 2028, but there have been no talks over an extension. Barcelona are also understood to be considering signing another left-back in 2027, which only adds to the uncertainty around his long-term future.

A January loan could suit Man United

For United, this could be one of those deals that makes sense without needing a massive commitment.

The club looked at Balde during the summer but ultimately focused its spending elsewhere. A loan would give United the chance to see how he adapts to English football before deciding whether to pursue anything permanent.

A separate report from The Hard Tackle also says United and Liverpool have both been approached over a potential move.

Balde still has plenty going for him. He is quick, comfortable carrying the ball and, at 22, young enough to rediscover the form that once made him one of Barcelona’s brightest academy graduates.

The obvious concern is his lack of football. United would be signing potential rather than current form.

Still, if Barcelona are genuinely willing to sanction a loan, it feels like a relatively low-risk opportunity. For a player who badly needs minutes, January could be the right time for a fresh start.