Manchester City made enquiries for Barcelona rising star earlier this year – report

According to Fabrizio Romano on Twitch (h/t SPORT), Manchester City lodged an enquiry with Barcelona for rising star Alejandro Balde earlier this year but were met with a firm rejection.

The 19-year-old left-back enjoyed a brilliant breakthrough campaign in 2021/22, usurping the starting left-back slot from Jordi Alba and cementing himself as the first choice in the position.

Having impressed in the last season, the young Spaniard has started the new campaign on a strong note and is affirming his status as one of the best young left-backs in the game.

Man City had their eye on Balde

And now, it has emerged that Manchester City had their eye on Balde and even asked Barcelona about the La Masia academy graduate.

The Cityzens have been sniffing around several young talents at Barcelona in recent months, and Balde too was among them.

As per the report, the overture from the English and European champions came towards the end of April earlier this year.

Pep Guardiola’s side were willing to make a bid or even offer a player as part of an exchange deal for Balde.

But the Premier League champions were met with a resounding no from Barcelona.

Indeed, there were no extended negotiations or any numbers mentioned as the Blaugrana never considered the prospect of a sale.

New contract imminent

Balde’s existing contract stands to expire in 2024 but an agreement over a new deal has been reached.

The 19-year-old is set to renew his contract until 2028, with a €1 billion release clause inserted and an announcement is understood to be imminent.

Balde has already been registered as a first-team member and has started wearing the No. 3 shirt and a new contract is a just reward for the explosive growth he has shown.