Manchester United interest could shape Barcelona’s left-back plans with Jorge Salinas in view

Barcelona are considering a move for Racing Santander left-back Jorge Salinas as uncertainty grows around Alejandro Balde, who was left out of head coach Hansi Flick’s squad for Sunday’s La Liga meeting with Elche.

Salinas has been on Barcelona’s transfer radar for some time, but the 19-year-old’s name has moved back to the forefront following the latest development in Balde’s situation.

The Racing Santander defender is regarded as one of the most promising young left-backs in the market and has attracted interest from several clubs. Atletico Madrid appeared to be close to securing his signature in recent weeks after making an offer of 14m euros.

That figure was close to the 16m-euro release clause in Salinas’ contract, but no agreement has been reached.

Barcelona have also made enquiries about the Spain Under-? player on more than one occasion and have submitted offers for him. However, Racing Santander have maintained a firm position in their dealings with the Catalan club.

Relations between the two sides have deteriorated since Pablo Torre moved from Racing Santander to Real Mallorca. Racing believe they are still owed money from that transfer, and the dispute has affected subsequent negotiations.

The Santander club have since insisted that any side wishing to sign Salinas must pay the full value of his release clause.

Manchester United have now entered the race for the teenager. The Premier League club’s interest is particularly notable because they are also following Balde, whose omission from Barcelona’s squad has added to questions over his future at Camp Nou.

According to Catalan newspaper Sport, signing Salinas would be a more straightforward option for Manchester United than pursuing Balde, both in sporting terms and financially.

The developments could create a significant chain of events in the transfer market. If Barcelona sell Balde to Manchester United, the resulting financial room could allow them to move directly for Salinas and appoint him as the young left-back’s replacement.

Barcelona’s interest in Salinas is therefore closely connected to what happens with Balde. The Catalan club have already explored the possibility of signing the Racing Santander player, but their strained relationship with his current club means a deal may depend on meeting the release clause in full.

In the meantime, young defender Jordi Besquier is continuing to push for an opportunity with Barcelona. He was included in the squad for the match against Elche, giving him the chance to challenge for greater involvement while the club’s left-back situation remains unresolved.

Salinas’ potential move to Atletico Madrid remains incomplete, while Manchester United’s arrival in the race has added another complication. Barcelona must now assess whether Balde’s future can provide the financial flexibility required to make their own move for the Racing Santander teenager.