Quick Read
- Christopher Vivell, Manchester United’s Director of Recruitment, has proposed signing Barcelona’s left-back Alejandro Balde.
- Balde, 22, has been a key player for Barcelona, winning La Liga titles in 2023 and 2025.
- The move comes as United plans to address its left-back position, with Tyrell Malacia expected to leave.
- Balde is reportedly settled at Barcelona, potentially complicating a transfer.
- United’s primary transfer focus remains midfield, with five other targets on their shortlist.
YEREVAN (Azat TV) – Manchester United’s Director of Recruitment, Christopher Vivell, has proposed the signing of Barcelona’s highly-rated left-back Alejandro Balde, signaling a potential expansion of the club’s summer transfer strategy beyond its publicly known midfield priorities. The 39-year-old executive’s recommendation, revealed by GIVEMESPORT senior correspondent Ben Jacobs, spotlights the ‘explosive’ 22-year-old Spanish international as a key target as United prepares for a significant squad overhaul in the 2026 summer transfer window.
This development comes as Manchester United navigates a complex transfer landscape, aiming to address several key positions. Vivell’s focus on Balde suggests a proactive approach to strengthening the defensive line, particularly the left-back position, which could see changes with Tyrell Malacia’s contract expiring in June and Luke Shaw remaining the only natural option. Balde, a pivotal figure in Barcelona’s La Liga title wins in 2023 and 2025, represents a high-caliber addition, although reports indicate the player is currently settled at the Catalan club.
Vivell’s Vision for Manchester United’s Defense
Christopher Vivell’s proposal for Alejandro Balde underscores a strategic move to secure a long-term solution at left-back. Balde, known for his speed and attacking prowess, has been a consistent performer for Barcelona over the past four seasons. His potential arrival would provide robust competition and depth, especially with Tyrell Malacia’s expected departure on a free transfer. While Luke Shaw remains a primary option, the club’s reliance on a single natural left-back has been a point of concern, exacerbated by Patrick Dorgu’s hamstring injury and his more attacking profile. Vivell’s identification of Balde suggests a clear intent to invest in youth and proven talent, aligning with the club’s broader ambitions to rebuild under the INEOS sporting structure.
However, securing Balde’s services may prove challenging, as Ben Jacobs noted in his comments on The United Stand. The player’s contentment at Barcelona, coupled with his integral role in their recent successes, could complicate any potential move. Despite these hurdles, United’s interest highlights Vivell’s influence in shaping the club’s recruitment targets, extending beyond the midfield revamp that has dominated recent headlines.
Expanding Manchester United’s Transfer Strategy
While the proposal for Alejandro Balde represents a new defensive target, Manchester United’s primary focus for the 2026 summer window remains the midfield. The club has reportedly narrowed its shortlist to five elite midfielders, including Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba, Adam Wharton, Angelo Stiller, and Sandro Tonali, as confirmed by FootballTransfers. This extensive list reflects the urgent need to replace departing players like Casemiro, who has already announced his exit, and potentially Manuel Ugarte.
The club’s recruitment chiefs, Jason Wilcox and Christopher Vivell, are evaluating options that balance immediate quality with long-term potential, often constrained by financial considerations. For instance, while Carlos Baleba boasts the highest potential among the midfield targets according to SciSports data, Elliot Anderson is considered a more sensible option due to his current ability, potential, and a potentially lower transfer fee. The simultaneous pursuit of a top-tier left-back like Balde alongside these midfield targets indicates a comprehensive approach to strengthening multiple areas of the squad, signaling an ambitious summer ahead for Manchester United.
The Road Ahead for Manchester United Recruitment
Manchester United’s transfer window is shaping up to be one of significant activity, with multiple high-profile targets across different positions. The club’s strategy appears to involve balancing marquee signings with astute acquisitions that offer value and potential. The competition for these players is fierce, with clubs like Manchester City admiring Anderson and Real Madrid having scouted Wharton for years. This competitive landscape, coupled with financial constraints, means United may need to prioritize or explore alternative targets if their primary choices prove unattainable.
The role of recruitment figures like Christopher Vivell becomes critical in navigating these challenges, identifying talent, and negotiating deals that align with the club’s long-term vision. The ongoing discussions and proposals, from midfield to defense, underscore a determined effort by Manchester United to re-establish itself at the pinnacle of European football through strategic squad enhancements.
Christopher Vivell’s proactive proposal for Alejandro Balde, amidst the widely reported midfield targets, highlights Manchester United’s multi-faceted approach to the upcoming transfer window, indicating a broader strategic vision for squad reconstruction than previously emphasized.