According to reports from the Catalan newspaper Sport and transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United has opened direct contact with agent Jorge Mendes to explore a potential move for Barcelona left-back Alejandro Baldé. The inquiry comes as Barcelona weighs its options in the transfer market, including a tracked pursuit of Racing Santander teenage defender Jorge Salinas amid ongoing squad adjustments under manager Hansi Flick.
Manchester United Opens Talks Through Jorge Mendes
Manchester United has shifted its focus to Alejandro Baldé after tracking alternative targets for the left-back position. According to Fabrizio Romano, the Premier League club initially targeted Newcastle United defender Lewis Hall, but that pursuit stalled when Newcastle made it clear they were unwilling to sell. As a result, United contacted super-agent Jorge Mendes to inquire about Baldé’s current status at Camp Nou and evaluate the feasibility of a transfer.
Mendes recently traveled to Barcelona to discuss the futures of several clients, providing an opening for the Old Trafford club to test Barcelona’s resolve. The Red Devils previously had a bid for Baldé rejected by Barcelona in April 2025, underlining the Catalan club’s historical reluctance to part with products of their La Masia academy.
Alejandro Baldé Commits to Barcelona Despite Transfer Links
Despite mounting interest from Manchester United, Alejandro Baldé has publicly reaffirmed his commitment to staying at his boyhood club. According to statements reported by Sport and Bola, the 22-year-old defender dismissed exit rumors, stating that Barcelona is his lifelong home. “Orang-orang selalu mengatakan banyak hal, tetapi Barcelona adalah rumah saya,” Baldé told Sport, emphasizing his desire to succeed in Catalonia where he has spent many years.
Baldé’s playing time faced challenges during the 2025/2026 season due to physical setbacks and competition from João Cancelo, who arrived initially on loan and later made his transfer permanent. Despite losing his undisputed starting spot under Hansi Flick and being omitted from the squad to face Elche, Baldé made numerous appearances across all competitions last season and insists he wants to fight for his place.
The Racing Santander and Jorge Salinas Factor
Alongside the pursuit of Baldé, Manchester United and other European clubs are monitoring 19-year-old Racing Santander left-back Jorge Salinas. According to sports reports, Salinas boasts a release clause set at €16 million. Atlético Madrid previously held the frontrunning position in the race, offering €14 million, though that agreement ultimately failed to materialize.
Barcelona has also made multiple inquiries regarding Salinas, but relations between Barcelona and Racing Santander remain strained following a previous dispute over the Pablo Torre transfer to Real Mallorca. Because of this friction, Santander has maintained a strict stance that interested clubs must pay the full €16 million release clause. Outlets suggest that if Barcelona eventually sanctions a lucrative sale of Baldé to Manchester United, the resulting financial margin could allow the Catalan club to trigger Salinas’s release clause and secure their defensive future.
Did you know? Alejandro Baldé has made numerous appearances for Barcelona’s senior team since graduating from La Masia, contributing three goals and 21 assists from the left-back position.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Manchester United targeting Alejandro Baldé?
According to Fabrizio Romano and Jateng.Akurat.co, Manchester United is searching for a new left-back after failing to secure primary target Lewis Hall from Newcastle United, prompting them to contact agent Jorge Mendes about Baldé.
Does Alejandro Baldé want to leave Barcelona?
No. According to statements published by Sport and Bola, Baldé has explicitly stated that he is happy at Barcelona, considers the club his home, and intends to stay and fight for his position under Hansi Flick.
How much does Jorge Salinas cost?
According to sports reports, Racing Santander defender Jorge Salinas has a contract release clause of €16 million, which his club has demanded in full from interested suitors.
What to Watch Next
Meanwhile, young prospect Jordi Pizquer continues to push for first-team minutes after being named in Hansi Flick’s matchday squad.
What are your thoughts on Barcelona’s left-back situation? Should the club sell to fund a move for Jorge Salinas, or keep building around La Masia talents like Alejandro Baldé? Let us know in the comments below, and subscribe to our newsletter for daily transfer updates.
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