Hansi Flick schedules showdown talks with Alejandro Balde as Manchester United eye move for Barcelona defender | OneFootball

Barcelona are set for a busy end to the summer transfer window, and one big solution that must be resolved is Alejandro Balde’s possible exit. The defender is facing an uncertain future after being left out of the squad to face Elche at the weekend, and in the next 24 hours, more will be known regarding whether he will depart.

Balde is expected to be at least second-choice in the left-back pecking order behind Joao Cancelo, while Xavi Espart also showed against Elche that he can play there. Hansi Flick has not been able to get the best out of the La Masia graduate during his two years in charge, which is why it could be decided that an exit takes place.

As per Sport, Flick and Balde are due to meet in the next 24 hours to clarify the latter’s future. Flick wants him to continue, but if he sees any doubts about his continuity, the decision will be made to sell him before next Monday’s transfer deadline.

Manchester United favourites to sign Balde if he leaves

If it is decided that Balde leaves Barcelona, he is likely to end up at Manchester United. The Premier League giants recently approached him to gauge his interest in a move to Old Trafford, and while they were knocked back before, the door is likely to be opened if an exit is agreed by all parties.

It will be interesting to see whether the decision is made for Balde to leave, but if so, it could be one that Barcelona end up regretting. He may have struggled over the last 12 months in particular, but when on form, Balde is a top asset – and his profile is one that the club lacks in defence, that being pace and power. Meanwhile, he would be a long-term successor to Cancelo, even if he were to be the backup at this stage.