Fabrizio Romano provides update on United’s hunt for ‘fearless 1v1 specialist’ amid swap deal talks

Talk of Alejandro Balde moving to Manchester United in the summer for £34.6 million, or in a direct swap with Marcus Rashford moving the other way on a permanent deal, has been circulating on the internet. Left-back hunt Links to Balde have re-emerged just as suggestions have surfaced that a left-back signing could be on the agenda at United in the summer. With Patrick Dorgu likely to feature more as a winger, INEOS are considering bringing in another left-back. If they do, many would love it to be Balde, a quality full-back who once admitted that, were he to leave the Spanish heavyweights, United would be his preferred destination. Truth in Balde to United chatter Now, in a bid to set the record straight amid these fresh links to the Barcelona star, European transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has addressed the latest Balde-to-United rumours. On his YouTube channel, Romano said: “Rumours about Manchester United and Alejandro Balde? “At the moment, Barcelona absolutely count on Balde and see the player as a crucial part of their project. “They believe at Barcelona that he still has huge potential — he is still very young and can learn and develop a lot. At this stage, the club does not intend to let him leave. “At the moment, Manchester United have not started any negotiations regarding Balde.” While Romano confirms no talks have taken place over a summer move, he stops short of disputing United’s interest altogether. Balde one of the best left-backs INEOS can go for in the summer In their quest to sign top-end talent and drag this United side back to where it belongs, pursuing a quality player like Balde makes every bit of sense. He would be an instant level-raiser. The Spanish international would undoubtedly represent a massive upgrade on United’s left flank, which has struggled badly this season. Balde’s explosiveness and attack-minded nature, combined with his elite acceleration, pace, and dribbling ability to breeze past defenders with ease, could genuinely supercharge United’s left-hand side. He would hand the 20-time English champions yet another tactical edge. That said, whether INEOS opt for a straightforward cash deal or look to use Rashford as part of the package when they finally pursue this deal, we will have to wait and see. Feature image Judit Cartiel via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Daniel Onguko Dan is a writer with The Peoples Person, an avid Manchester United fan whose passion for the Red Devils evolved into writing about them. He was introduced to United back in 2008, and his love for the club has continued to grow ever since. Like every other United fan, he believes the club will soon return to its rightful place and strives to reflect that belief in his writing. While he has also written about other Premier League sides, including Arsenal for Just Arsenal and The Arsenal Analysis Blogspot, Dan lives and breathes Manchester United.