Only in the last season, it looked like FC Barcelona have their left flank covered for years to come, as Alejandro Balde had broken out at only 19 years of age, and taken over this position, forcing a veteran as experienced as Jordi Alba to depart from the club.
He was an integral part of the Barcelona backline that allowed the Catalans to win the league title with their defensive solidity, while also contributing significantly on the attacking end of the pitch.
However, this current season has been a completely different one for the young Spaniard. He was unable to replicate the mesmerizing form that he showed last season, and his season took a turn for the worst as he suffered a tendon rupture in January.
With this injury, he is set to remain on the sidelines till June 2024, a time when the current season would have already ended for the Catalan club.
But despite this long-term injury and the poor form displayed this season, the talent and potential of the young fullback is beyond any reasonable doubt, and other clubs in Europe would be more than happy to get him in their squad.
This is particularly the case for Manchester United, who, according to SPORT, are interested in the Barcelona fullback. The Red Devils are looking to significantly enhance their squad for the next season, and like the Barcelona youngster primarily because of his potential to grow into a highly effective left-back.
While this has not been officially declared by any of the two clubs, there have been reports of a meeting between Deco and Manchester United officials, John Murtough and Matt Hargreaves, some days ago. Balde is alleged to be one of the subjects of discussion between the executives in this meeting.
Furthermore, this same report also mentions the Barcelona midfielder, Frenkie de Jong, and the on-loan winger, Ansu Fati, who is already playing in the Premier League this season with Brighton and Hove Albion, are two other Barcelona players that Manchester United are interested in.
