Manchester City are no longer keen to sign Alejandro Balde from Barcelona in a deal involving Joao Cancelo.
That is according to SPORT in Spain.
So, what is the latest on Alejandro Balde and Manchester City? Let’s take a look…
Alejandro Balde update
Well – according to SPORT – Manchester City held a firm interest in signing the Spain international.
Pep Guardiola is on the lookout for a new left-back at the Etihad Stadium, and Balde was considered to be a leading target for Txiki Begiristain to pursue.
Now – however – SPORT believe Manchester City have abandoned their interest in the Spaniard, who has a release clause worth €1bn (£858m) written into his contract at Barcelona.
The Spanish news outlet state that Manchester City now only want cash for Cancelo, and have no desire to accept an offer of Balde plus a fee from Barcelona.
SPORT do not explain why the Citizens have decided to withdraw interest in the Barcelona No.3 this month – although it is said that Chelsea could now take over and sign the defender instead.
Manchester City left-back shortlist is shrinking
We recently documented all of the left-backs Manchester City have been linked with here on Manchester City News as Guardiola aims to find a new option in that department.
Argentinian wonderkid Valentin Barco and Balde were on that list.
Now – however – Barco has sealed a move to Brighton, while Manchester City have withdrawn their interest in Balde, which means the list is shrinking.
Inter Milan No.32 Federico Dimarco and Bayern Munich No.19 Alphonso Davies are also believed to be targets – as we covered in the aforementioned article – so perhaps it is now worth keeping an even closer eye on those two situations.
Whatever happens, it would be a major surprise if Manchester City did not sign a new left-back in 2024.
