“Wants to play…“: Fabrizio Romano throws Man United January lifeline in pursuit of 22-yo LaLiga speedster

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Manchester United’s summer pursuit of Barcelona full-back Alejandro Balde may have ended in disappointment, but they could be handed a lifeline at the turn of the year. The Red Devils attempted to prise the Spaniard away from Camp Nou in the final weeks of the transfer window in a bid to add more cover for Luke Shaw.

The Englishman turned 31 over the summer and has entered the final year of his contract at Old Trafford. Balde represented a young and talented successor for the veteran full-back, with trophy-winning experience and a high ceiling.

Last season, the 22 year old registered three assists in 43 appearances for the Catalans, playing a key role in their league triumph.

Alejandro Balde Stats: 2025/26 Season

Balde’s skillset and age matched United’s requirements, but financial restrictions derailed their plans. Acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano, however, reckons the door to the Spaniard’s move to Old Trafford cannot be entirely closed just yet.

United faced an impossible task with Balde

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano said: “The first one for Alejandro Balde was clearly impossible on the financial point of view. Utd really considered this possibility. There were discussions with the agent of the player, Jorge Mendes. Jorge Mendes was in Barcelona to discuss the Man Utd possibility with Barca director Deco.”

“So, the possibility was concrete, but Utd were only interested in a loan deal potentially with the buy-option clause to become mandatory under certain conditions, but not a permanent deal immediately, and Barca were never going to accept a loan for Balde. Only permanent transfer, and then also the salary was a problem.”

United also considered Aston Villa’s Ian Maatsen as an option this summer, but Romano insists that avenue is now closed. He added: “He (Ian Maatsen) was a player under consideration at Utd, appreciated by Man Utd, but Aston Villa made it clear that after selling Lucas Digne, they were not going to sell also Ian Maatsen.”

“Now for Maatsen, new contract is almost done. So, the update I can give you is that Maatsen is going to sign a new contract at Aston Villa. So, I don’t anticipate any movement in the January transfer window.”

Balde’s situation could turn in the coming months

Romano, however, went on to suggest that a move for Balde in the winter transfer window cannot be entirely ruled out. He continued: “For Alejandro Balde, in general, for his future, we have to see how the next three, four months will go because Balde obviously wants to play football, but Balde is in love with Barcelona.”

“For Balde, it is not easy to say to Barca, ‘I want to leave, I want to go’. Balde never did that because Balde really, really loves Barcelona. So, it was Barca considering a possible exit for Financial Fair Play to get extra money, but only permanent – not loan.”

“Balde was more than happy to stay at Barcelona, but he hopes to play more. So, let’s see what’s going to happen there. For sure, the Balde situation is going to be one to watch this season and in the upcoming months.”

The Spaniard was on the bench for four of Barcelona’s five games this season and is yet to play a minute.

Final Thoughts

Balde’s recent struggles for game time at Camp Nou should put United on high alert. If an opportunity presents itself at the turn of the year, the Red Devils should grab it with both hands.

✅ Fabrizio Romano is a top-tier journalist with an impeccable record. ✅ United remain on the hunt for a new left-back after failing to strengthen the position this summer. ⚠️ Romano does not confirm that Balde will definitely leave Barcelona in the winter.