Fabrizio Romano Provides Update on Manchester United’s Pursuit of Alejandro Balde

Manchester United’s summer rebuild is already taking shape behind the scenes, but one high-profile target appears to be slipping off the radar. Credible transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano has moved to quash speculation linking Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde with a move to Old Trafford, insisting the Catalan giants have no intention of selling the 22-year-old.

United, currently third in the Premier League under interim boss Michael Carrick, are planning what Romano describes as a busy off-season as they look to reinforce a squad that has lost only once since Carrick replaced Ruben Amorim. With Champions League qualification in their own hands—ahead of Chelsea and Aston Villa—the club’s recruitment team are weighing fresh investment across the spine of the team, from midfield to centre-back and the left flank.

Balde had been floated as a potential long-term successor to Luke Shaw, yet Romano stresses that Barcelona view the Spain international as a cornerstone of their long-term project. “Internally, they believe he still has enormous potential and that he is far from the finished product,” Romano told viewers on his YouTube channel. “For this reason, at this stage, Barcelona have no intention of letting Balde leave for Man Utd.”

The Premier League side also invested in the position last summer with the arrival of Patrick Dorgu, currently sidelined through injury, while 18-year-old academy prospect Diego Leon waits for a senior breakthrough. Those factors, combined with Barça’s firm stance, mean United have not opened negotiations for Balde and are expected to focus resources elsewhere.

Romano adds that United’s priorities are likely to include a left-sided winger, midfield reinforcements—Sandro Tonali of Newcastle is admired as a possible Casemiro successor—and further defensive options. With a pivotal trip to Aston Villa on 15 March followed by a Bournemouth encounter, Carrick’s side will hope to maintain momentum before the summer scramble for talent begins in earnest.