It’s been an open secret all summer that Manchester United need a left-back. It’s arguably been Michael Carrick‘s top target ever since forming a new-look midfield. Yet still, as the deadline approaches, the Red Devils are still in the market for a reinforcement.
Lewis Hall’s name was the most prominent name in the early stages of the window. As Newcastle United suffered a mass exodus, the idea that the England international would stay put felt absurd. But here he is on September 1, still a Newcastle player.
There was also a brief moment in which a move for Myles Lewis-Skelly looked possible. Reports claimed that Arsenal opened the door to his exit, before that same door was slammed shut by the Gunners.
Man United are now here, on deadline day, where Alejandro Balde’s name refuses to exit the headlines. The Barcelona man has been a target, like Hall, for the majority of the summer and just when a deal looked unlikely, an almighty twist could be on the cards.
|
Man Utd left-back targets this summer |
Current club |
Age |
Situation |
Why Man Utd want them |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Lewis Hall |
Newcastle United |
21 |
Top target, but difficult |
Premier League-proven, versatile and fits United’s long-term profile. Newcastle have told United he is not for sale, despite his interest in the move. |
|
Alejandro Balde |
Barcelona |
22 |
Alternative option |
Athletic, attack-minded full-back with Champions League experience. United have made enquiries and are now reigniting their move. |
|
Myles Lewis-Skelly |
Arsenal |
19 |
Alternative option |
Young, versatile left-back who can also play in midfield. United were linked with a move when reports suggested Arsenal could consider selling him. |
The left-back would, of course, solve United’s problem and hand them a player of Barcelona calibre. It should be an easy yes for all involved at Old Trafford.
Man Utd in late talks to sign Balde
As reported by Spanish journalist Gerard Romero, Man United are now in talks to sign Balde from Barcelona and are attempting to convince the left-back to join before the deadline. The Red Devils have launched a late approach and now face a race against the clock to complete what would be a shock move at this stage, with a fee of around £40m required to get it done.
Of course, if Balde does arrive, then United can congratulate themselves on the perfect window. They’ve rebuilt their midfield with three impressive arrivals, kept their most important stars, and could now solve their left-back problem with a man who’s won three league titles in Spain’s top flight.
Barcelona boss Hansi Flick summed up Balde’s talent best, dubbing him “fantastic” whilst also claiming that he can still improve when asked by reporters earlier this summer.
“He’s very young, he has a lot of potential. When I saw his first season, it was fantastic. He’s improved, but he can improve even more. He has Barça colors in his heart.
“His job is to keep improving. Every year there are players who come from La Masia and want to play. He has to be 100% committed to professional football and give everything for Barça.”
With just hours left in the transfer window, it’s now up to Man United to finally land the left-back target that they’ve been chasing all summer.