Featured Image Credit: Alamy
Topics: Manchester United, Barcelona, Premier League
Ryan Smart
Barcelona starlet Alejandro Balde has named Manchester United as the club he would like to play for if he ever departed Camp Nou.
The 19-year-old has emerged as a first-team regular this season, playing at right-back ahead of more senior options such as Hector Bellerin.
He has made 12 appearances in La Liga, providing three assists.
Barcelona are currently top of the division, two points ahead of Real Madrid, and have conceded just five goals in their 14 matches.
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Balde has also made four appearances in the Champions League this term, and has featured from the bench in both of Spain's 2022 World Cup matches.
Naturally left-footed, Balde's versatility across both sides of defence makes him a valuable asset for the present and future of Barcelona.
And that is part of the reason why his current contract contains an astonishing £430 million release clause - a sign of how highly Barca value one of their young stars.
Speaking as part of a quickfire Q&A video with Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Balde was asked to name his favourite club other than Barcelona.
He didn't need to long to think about his answer - Manchester United.
The 19-year-old's current contract with Barca - which contains the £430m release clause - expires in the summer of 2024.
But Les Cules are understandably keen to keep one of their future stars, with Xavi already seeing him as an important member of the squad.
Fabrizio Romano claimed on Sunday that the club will offer Balde a new deal with a £1 billion release clause - the same figure that is in the contracts of fellow starlets Pedri and Gavi, as well as Jules Kounde and Ferran Torres.
Romano added that the offer will be a five-year contract, therefore taking Balde either to the summer of 2028 or 2029, depending on whether it is an extension on his current deal.