AC Milan have reportedly turned down an opportunity to sign Barcelona left back Alejandro Balde after his representative, Jorge Mendes, presented the Spanish defender to the Italian club during discussions over the summer transfer window.
The proposal was reportedly discussed during a meeting between Mendes and the Milan hierarchy, with the Portuguese super agent continuing his efforts to strengthen his relationship with the Rossoneri. However, Milan were not convinced by Barcelona’s valuation of the 22 year old and decided against pursuing the deal.
According to reports from Fabrizio Romano, Mendes offered Balde to Milan as a possible solution for the left side of Ruben Amorim’s team. Despite the defender’s considerable potential and experience at Barcelona, the Italian club considered the asking price too high.
Barcelona are understood to value Balde at more than €40 million, a figure Milan are unwilling to spend on another full back at this stage of the transfer window.
The decision reflects Milan’s current transfer priorities under Amorim. Rather than committing a substantial portion of their budget to another wide defender, the club wants to strengthen more urgent areas of the squad.
Milan are particularly focused on recruiting a high quality centre back and an attacking midfielder capable of producing goals and assists. Those positions have been identified as areas where the squad could lack sufficient depth and quality during the upcoming season.
The decision to reject Balde therefore appears to be based less on the player’s ability and more on Milan’s financial strategy and squad requirements.
Balde has been an important part of Barcelona’s first team since breaking through from the club’s academy. His speed, ability to carry the ball forward and willingness to support attacks have made him one of the more exciting young full backs in European football.
However, the defender’s development has been interrupted by a number of physical problems in recent seasons. Those fitness concerns may also have contributed to Milan’s reluctance to make a significant financial commitment.
Barcelona, meanwhile, could be open to discussions over the player’s future as they continue to manage their squad and finances. A potential sale would provide the Catalan club with significant funds, but losing Balde would also remove a player with considerable long term potential.
For Milan, the decision has also provided clarity over another defender already in the squad.
Jorge Mendes is also the representative of Ecuador international Pervis Estupinan, who has recently been linked with uncertainty over his position at the club. However, the latest developments suggest that Estupinan is not being pushed towards the exit.
Mendes reportedly used his meeting with Milan officials to discuss several players, but the club did not indicate that Estupinan was outside Amorim’s plans.
That could mean the Ecuadorian remains at San Siro for the new season and competes for a starting position on the left side.
Milan’s current options in the wide areas are expected to include Davide Bartesaghi, Estupinan, Diego Moreira, Alexis Saelemaekers and Nigerian winger Samuel Chukwueze.
The decision not to sign another expensive full back could therefore give these players an opportunity to establish themselves under Amorim.
The Portuguese manager is beginning a new chapter at Milan and will need to quickly determine which members of his squad can adapt to his tactical demands. His system requires players on the flanks to contribute both defensively and offensively, making versatility an important quality.
Chukwueze, in particular, could have an interesting role under the new manager. The Nigerian has traditionally played as an attacking winger but has already been tested in a deeper wide position during pre season.
Milan’s decision to avoid another major investment in a full back also suggests that the club’s remaining transfer budget could be directed towards strengthening the central areas of the team.
A new centre back would provide Amorim with greater defensive security, while an attacking midfielder capable of consistently producing goals and assists could add another dimension to Milan’s attack.
The club will therefore enter the final stage of the transfer window with clear priorities rather than attempting to sign players simply because they become available.
The Rossoneri will now focus their attention elsewhere as they prepare for the new Serie A campaign.
With Torino awaiting Milan in their league opener, Amorim will be hoping the club’s transfer strategy allows him to build a balanced squad capable of challenging domestically and competing strongly in Europe.
For now, Alejandro Balde will not be heading to San Siro. Milan have made their position clear by refusing to spend more than €40 million on another full back, choosing instead to concentrate their resources on positions they believe require greater reinforcement.
