Overview
- Reports this week, led by Fabrizio Romano, say Manchester United held talks with agent Jorge Mendes but pushed for a loan while Barcelona demanded a permanent sale.
- United could not bridge the deal structure, wage demands and reported valuation — Barcelona was said to value Balde at about €40 million — so no agreement was reached in the summer.
- Balde has not played a minute in Barcelona’s opening five competitive matches, a drop in playing time that Romano and others say could trigger a reassessment of his future.
- A January transfer is now described as possible rather than certain, with United’s winter options narrowed after Ian Maatsen moved close to a new Aston Villa contract.
- The stalled move leaves Manchester United still short of a long-term specialist left-back and means any future bid will hinge on Balde’s minutes, Barcelona’s price stance and United’s ability to meet wage and Financial Fair Play constraints.