Manchester United could have a better opportunity to sign Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde when the January transfer window opens, with the 22-year-old struggling badly for regular minutes in Spain this season.

Balde has previously been considered one of Barcelona’s most exciting academy products, but his position under Hansi Flick has changed significantly during the opening weeks of the 2026/27 campaign.

That situation could now work in United’s favour if they decide to strengthen the left side of their defence.

Balde is becoming more open to Man United move

According to Football Insider, Man United’s chances of signing Balde have “improved” ahead of January because of his lack of game time at Barcelona.

The report claims Barça were looking for around £30million during the summer window.

United found a deal difficult at that stage after committing significant money elsewhere in their squad, while Balde himself was happy to remain in Catalonia.

His circumstances have since changed.

Balde has featured just once in La Liga this season, coming off the bench for only a handful of minutes. That is a dramatic fall in involvement for a player who made 28 league appearances during the 2025/26 campaign.

The report adds that his reduced role has made him more receptive to the possibility of leaving Barcelona, potentially giving United an opening when the market reopens.

Balde’s lack of minutes makes January opportunity worth watching

The numbers show why the situation is becoming increasingly interesting.

FBref records Balde as having played just 13 La Liga minutes so far in 2026/27, despite regularly being named among Barcelona’s substitutes.

For Man United, that could create an attractive market opportunity. Balde is still only 22, offers considerable pace and attacking threat, and has already accumulated extensive first-team experience for one of Europe’s biggest clubs.

The major question is whether United genuinely need another specialist left-back enough to spend heavily in January.

If Barcelona remain willing to negotiate around the previously reported £30m figure, though, his age and potential make him the type of signing who could offer both immediate competition and long-term value.

His situation over the next few months will therefore be worth monitoring closely.

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