‘Hope he clears his head’ – Man Utd target Alejandro Balde axed as Barcelona boss speaks out on £25million transfer exit

BARCELONA boss Hansi Flick has opened the door for Alejandro Balde to leave the club after dropping the Manchester United target from his squad for their La Liga opener. The Spanish left-back was left out of Barcelona‘s matchday squad for the 5-0 win over Elche, with Flick admitting Balde is not currently “100 per cent” and needs to “clear his head”. Barcelona left Alejandro Balde has been linked with a move to Man United Credit: Shutterstock Editorial Manager Hansi Flick has hinted the door could be opened for Balde to leave Credit: Getty However, Balde has not been axed from first-team training and remains with the Barcelona squad as the club considers his future. The 22-year-old is understood to be available for around £25million, with Premier League interest in his services. Sign up for the Man United newsletter Thank you! Flick has options at left-back following the arrival of Joao Cancelo, while Gerard Martin can also operate in the position. That has left Balde facing an uncertain future at the Nou Camp, with Barcelona prepared to listen to offers before the transfer window closes. Flick said before the Elche game: “I spoke with him this morning, to be honest. I think he’s not at 100%, that he’s not here, and that’s why I’ve decided to leave him in Barcelona. “I hope he clears his head, and we’ll see what happens on Monday.” Balde’s omission was significant given he has already found himself slipping down the pecking order under Flick. SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET UP TO £100 BONUS The Barcelona boss has made it clear that Cancelo is currently his preferred option at left-back, while Martin provides further competition. Most read in Sport Barcelona are also facing a crucial final week of the transfer window, with departures expected to dictate whether they can make further additions. Balde is one of several players whose futures are being assessed, alongside Marc Casado and Hector Fort, who were also left out of the squad to face Elche. If Balde does depart, Barcelona could look to strengthen elsewhere, with a left-footed centre-back potentially on their shopping list. Balde was left out of the Barcelona team entirely over the weekend Credit: NurPhoto via Getty Images United have been linked to Myles Lewis-Skelly but the deal is a hard one to do Credit: Getty Sporting defender Goncalo Inacio has emerged as a possible target. The 24-year-old has already established himself at the highest level and was part of Portugal‘s squad for the 2026 World Cup. Barcelona sporting director Deco has been in Lisbon in recent days, fuelling speculation that talks over Inacio could be progressing. His arrival could allow Martin to return to his more natural left-back role and compete with Cancelo. Manchester United have been monitoring the situation, although their interest in Balde comes alongside their continued admiration for Arsenal youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly. United remain interested in Lewis-Skelly, but a move for the Arsenal star currently looks unlikely. With the transfer window entering its final days, Balde’s future could now become one of the key stories to watch as Barcelona decide whether to cash in on the highly-rated defender. Top football travel deals Comment now