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Barcelona ‘close to agreeing’ new contract with Alejandro Balde amidst Manchester United links
La Liga giants Barcelona are ‘close to agreeing’ a new contract with Alejandro Balde, amidst links to Manchester United, according to Spanish outlet Marca (h/t Manchester Evening News).
The 19-year-old’s existing deal with the Baluagrana expires in the summer of 2024. Up until now, it was looking unlikely that the youngster would pen to paper and extend his star in Catalunya.
However, the Camp Nou side seem to have come to terms with the full-back. He is now set to stay in Xavi’s team until the summer of 2026.
Balde has come up through the youth ranks at Barcelona and has established himself in the first team this season. While the youngster made a few appearances for the Blaugrana in the previous campaign, he has now pipped Jordi Alba in the pecking order.
The 19-year-old has made 16 appearances in all competitions for the Camp Nou side this term. He has provided three assists and has brought energy to the left-hand side of the Catalan outfit’s defence.
The full-back also made it into Spain’s 26-man squad for the 2022 World Cup. Against Costa Rica in Luis Enrique’s team’s first group-stage match, the Barcelona youngster made his international debut. The left-back featured in every game for La Furia Roja in Qatar.
United signed Tyrell Malacia in the recent transfer window to add competition in the squad for Luke Shaw. At the start of the season, the Holland international kept the former Southampton star out of the starting lineup.
However, the England international has since regained his place in Erik ten Hag’s plans. The 27-year-old has put in some encouraging displays and recently played at centre-back in our 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest.
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Thus, for now, the Red Devils seem to have enough quality at left-back. However, further down the line, will we turn our attention to Balde? Only time will tell.
