United’s Recruitment Director eyes €40m-rated Spaniard as Luke Shaw’s successor, while Barcelona’s attempts to slash Marcus Rashford’s price tag spark boardroom anger.
Manchester United’s transfer strategy for the summer of 2026 is taking shape, with Recruitment Director Christopher Vivell reportedly identifying Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde as a priority target. Vivell, who was instrumental in bringing Benjamin Sesko to Old Trafford for €85m last summer, is now keen to address United’s defensive decline by landing the 22-year-old Spain international.
The need for a high-energy left-back has become urgent. While Luke Shaw remains technically gifted, his physical decline has made him a liability in high-intensity transitions. Balde, a La Masia graduate known for his blistering pace and elite ball-carrying, is seen as the perfect fit for United’s long-term project.
The Vivell Effect: A History of Scouting Success
Vivell’s track record at Red Bull and Chelsea suggests that when he identifies a target, the hierarchy listens. His portfolio of signings speaks for itself:
| Player | Signed For | Signed From | Status |
| Erling Haaland | RB Salzburg | Molde | World Class |
| Dayot Upamecano | RB Salzburg | Liefering | Elite |
| Benjamin Sesko | Man United | RB Leipzig | Rising Star |
| Karim Adeyemi | RB Salzburg | Unterhaching | Star |
The Rashford Conflict: A Potential Swap?
The pursuit of Balde is complicated by a growing rift between United and Barcelona over Marcus Rashford. The Englishman has been sensational on loan at Camp Nou, and Barcelona holds a £26 million buy-option.
However, reports from Spain suggest the “financially stricken” Blaugrana are trying to renegotiate that fee even lower. This has reportedly caused “anger” at Old Trafford, with United officials now considering using Barcelona’s interest in Rashford as leverage to force a deal for Balde.
The Player’s Stance
Despite United’s readiness to table a €40m (£35m) bid, journalist Ben Jacobs notes that Balde’s current preference is to remain at Barcelona. No formal talks have begun, but as Barcelona struggles to register players and manage their wage bill, the prospect of a high-value sale or a creative swap deal involving Rashford could change the landscape.
Ronald Mike is a football writer covering the English Premier League, providing match analysis, tactical insight, and coverage of key rivalries and title races across the season.
