25 Aug 2026 10:06:53
ED001,
What are your thoughts on Balde, since United are heavily linked with him?
The only only thing I can think of, is that he has been abit injury prone and appears to be far better at attacking than defending.
{Ed001's Note - I don't really know much about him, I haven't seen a lot of him to be honest.}
25 Aug 2026 10:32:28
Thanks ED001.
{Ed001's Note - sorry I couldn't help mate.}
25 Aug 2026 11:41:43
MH, he is much, much better going forward than defensively.
If you want him for his attacking, then he is your man! If you are looking to improve your defence, then meh!
One good thing is that 2 or 3 years ago he was being interviewed and was asked if he would be prepared to play for anyone other than Barcelona, he replied Manchester United!
Not sure as to the veracity, but seemingly Barca want to sell him for EUR30/40m, as they want the cash, whereas we want a 12-month loan with an option to buy (like the Rashford deal).
If true, then I think it is so we can send him back, unless he excels, and then go for Hall.
25 Aug 2026 13:14:44
Iiwotb
Hall will go to a big club next summer if we leave it.
25 Aug 2026 13:33:56
I assume he will be better than this, but this is giving Sergio Reguillon vibes in the 23/24 season.
Shaw spent that whole season injured, and we ended up with Amarabat/Lindelof at left back, because Reguillon wasn't good enough.
25 Aug 2026 13:46:27
Yes, Redman, I agree he will. Subject to another good season, he will move to a big club next season.
There is new talk that Arsenal may, without the agreement of Arteta, sell Lewis Skelly.
If true, he may well be a better choice, given his additional quality in midfield.
So, Balde for his attacking quality, Lewis Skelly for his dual abilities, or Lewis Hall next summer? Make your choices, boys!
25 Aug 2026 14:05:34
Cheers IWOTB,
Perhaps a move for Lewis Skelly would be better. The club can't afford another liability in defence.
25 Aug 2026 18:08:21
Would anyone take a Balde/Rashford swap?
25 Aug 2026 18:45:09
I'd swap him for a packet of minstrels.
25 Aug 2026 19:23:30
JJ Gabriel is the first academy player I've been excited about since Greenwood.
No comments, please, Danny!
But he's 15, FFS. C'mon now.