Aston Villa, Benfica make enquiry for Barcelona full-back who accepts exit fate – report | OneFootball

Alejandro Balde’s future at FC Barcelona has been generating plenty of speculation throughout the summer transfer window.

As already reported, the coaching staff led by manager Hansi Flick had doubts about the 22-year-old. But the player and his representatives insisted that he had no intention of leaving the La Liga champions.

However, with the transfer window approaching its final stretch, the situation has flipped completely as the La Masia graduate has changed their stance.

Indeed, Balde has accepted that a departure is now very much a possibility after the signing of Joao Cancelo earler this week.

As such, Balde has given his agent, Jorge Mendes, the green light to use his contacts and find him a new club during the remaining 10 days of the summer window.

First offers and inquiries

Now, according to SPORT, Aston Villa and SL Benfica have made their move, asking about Balde’s situation and Barcelona’s asking price for the 22-year-old left-back.

Balde set to depart. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

However, the main obstacle will be Barcelona’s financial demands. The report suggest that the club could seek a fee of €40-45 million for the defender. Those figures now appear extremely difficult to achieve, except potentially in the Saudi league.

Benfica are looking for two defenders, a centre-back and a left-back, but their initial proposal for Balde would be unlikely to exceed €20 million.

Barcelona could therefore seek additional incentives, future-sale clauses or another creative structure to increase the value of the deal.

In the Premier League, Aston Villa are also looking for a high-level left-back. At present, however, the English club does not have the budget available to make the move.

No shortage of interest. (Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images)

A sale of one of their players could generate the funds needed to pursue someone like Balde.

Manchester United in the fray?

As has become common whenever Barcelona have a player on the market, Manchester United has also been mentioned as a potential suitor for the 22-year-old left-back.

While there has been some discussion between the Red Devils and Mendes, for now, there has been no sign of a concrete approach from Michael Carrick’s side.

The list of interested clubs is expected to grow in the coming days. Balde still has a strong reputation, but Barcelona want a significant transfer fee, which could complicate matters.