Alejandro Balde's full injury record revealed as Man United invited to make move
Manchester United target Alejandro Balde has reportedly made the decision to leave Barcelona in the final days of this summer's transfer window.
The 22-year-old is one name of several on the Red Devils' list, that also includes Lewis Hall and Jorge Salinas.
Michael Carrick is keen to add depth and competition on the left of his defence, with Luke Shaw and Harry Amass currently his only natural options there.
Balde represents an exciting option and now appears to be available, after Hansi Flick was not able to confirm that the defender would stay with the Spanish champions this summer.
The young Spaniard has just two years remaining on his deal at Barcelona and made 42 appearances across all competitions last season, but was not called up for the World Cup.
It is unclear just how much Balde would cost Man United, and there is his extensive injury record to be considered too.
Alejandro Balde's eye-opening injury record
Balde made his first senior appearances for Barcelona in 2021 at the age of just 17.
The defender was an instant hit with the fans, but was quickly sidelined with an ankle injury in what would be the start of a string of injuries.
The 22-year-old made 44 senior appearances in the following campaign, but in January 2024, serious issues struck.
Balde suffered a tendon rupture and was ruled out for the remainder of the season, only returning at the start of the next campaign.
Since then, hamstring injuries and other problems have followed the left-back, although he has continued to achieve more than 40 appearances in each season since.
The repeated issues have undoubtedly affected Balde, but a fresh start with the move to Man United may well be exactly what is needed.
What did Hansi Flick say about Balde?
There has been significant frustration surrounding Man United's search for a left-back this summer.
The position has been known to be one of significant need since the final day of last season, and numerous candidates have come and gone.
In Balde, however, Man United appear to have a real opportunity to sign an exciting option, especially after how Flick spoke about him.
"It’s a difficult question. Balde has a lot of quality. For me it is important, as I have said before, you have to have the condition to compete in a home position and this I want to see in each player," the German said this week when asked if Balde would stay.
"I see what they do every day, which shows me that they are ready to play at the highest level. In the end, we will only succeed as a team. We need everyone 100% committed to us."