According to a report by Mundo Deportivo, as relayed by Sport Witness, Aston Villa, Manchester City, and Manchester United are interested in Alejandro Balde. The three Premier League clubs are eager to bolster their defensive units by signing a left-back in the summer transfer window. They have “made approaches to ask about the fullback’s situation” but have yet to make any formal offers.
Alejandro Balde is one of several academy graduates to have benefited from Barcelona’s never-ending financial issues. Young prospects like Gavi, Lamine Yamal, Fermin Lopez, and Pau Cubarsi have become household names after securing regular game time under Xavi Hernandez and Hansi Flick. Balde also falls in that category.
The 22-year-old had to bide his time before becoming the first-choice left-back, but he has not looked back in recent seasons. Balde has made over 150 appearances for Barcelona thus far while chipping in with three goals and 21 assists. Meanwhile, the Spanish international’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs, including Aston Villa, Manchester City, and Manchester United.
Aston Villa may dip into the market for a left-back after the 2025/26 season, and it makes sense. While Ian Maatsen is the first-choice left-back, he has not been consistent enough to become an undisputed option for the position. Meanwhile, Lucas Digne is on the wrong side of 30 and approaching the twilight of his career. So, Aston Villa can do with a left-back this summer.
Meanwhile, Alejandro Balde has been on Manchester United’s wishlist for a long time. The continued interest is understandable, as Patrick Dorgu may be transitioning into the role of a winger. So, with Luke Shaw on the wrong side of 30, the Barcelona full-back is a viable target, as he can initially share game time with Shaw before becoming the first-choice left-back for Manchester United.
As for Manchester City, it is unclear why Balde has emerged as a target. Pep Guardiola has two left-backs in his squad, with the versatile Nico O’Reilly being one of his best charges this term. Meanwhile, City signed Rayan Ait-Nouri from Wolverhampton Wanderers last summer. So, the Citizens do not need another left-back, and they should instead focus on landing a right-back.
Nevertheless, Manchester City, along with Aston Villa and Manchester United, may attempt to sign the 22-year-old Spaniard in the summer transfer window after establishing contact over a move. While they have not submitted a formal bid, it will not be surprising to see at least one offer from these clubs in the coming months.
