Top five left backs Manchester United should target in January 2027 ft. Ait-Nouri & Balde
Several defenders have been linked with a move to Old Trafford.
Manchester United have made their worst-ever start in the Premier League era, with the Red Devils sitting in 18th place and in danger of relegation as we head into the November international break.
One of the main issues plaguing head coach Michael Carrick is injuries, with the left-back position being particularly impacted. First-team starter Luke Shaw suffered an injury during the Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur and has yet to return to action.
Backup left-back Patrick Dorgu also suffered a hamstring injury while on international duty with Denmark. The 22-year-old recently returned to action against Aston Villa, but he was deployed on the wings, from where he scored a 96th-minute equaliser.
Due to the lack of a fit natural left-back at his disposal, Carrick has been forced to field Diogo Dalot on the left instead of in his natural right-back position. This has not been a successful experiment, with opposition players targeting the left flank.
As a result, the Manchester United hierarchy are actively trying to recruit a left-back during the January transfer window, with several players being linked. Let’s take a look at five of the biggest options.
Five left-backs Manchester United can sign in January 2027
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| Sl No. | Player | Club | Nation |
| 1 | Alejandro Balde | Barcelona | Spain |
| 2 | Rayan Ait-Nouri | Man City | Algeria |
| 3 | Joaquin Seys | Anderlecht | Belgium |
| 4 | David Raum | RB Leipzig | Germany |
| 5 | Mahamadou Nagida | Rennes | Cameroon |
1. Alejandro Balde
Barcelona defender Alejandro Balde has been a transfer target for Manchester United since the summer. Although the 23-year-old La Masia graduate opted to stay at Camp Nou in the summer, he would be more open to a move, having fallen down the pecking order under Hansi Flick.
The Spaniard has played just 100 minutes of football in LaLiga this season. As a result, Football Insider reported that he is looking forward to a move in January. With his contract expiring in 2028, Barcelona are reportedly looking for a fee of around £30 million, making him an affordable option for the Red Devils.
2. Rayan Ait-Nouri
Rayan Ait-Nouri can become the 15th player to play for both Manchester clubs if he seals a move to United from City in the January window. The Algerian international has been effectively frozen out by Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca and is looking for a January exit.
According to TEAMtalk’s Graeme Bailey, Ait-Nouri’s representatives have held talks with several clubs, including United. Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg revealed that personal terms with the player would not be an issue, although it would be hard for the rivals to come to an agreement over the fee, with a figure around £30 million being touted.
3. Joaquin Seys
Joaquin Seys has established himself as one of the brightest left-back prospects in Europe with his performances for Club Brugge. He already has eight senior caps for Belgium and is expected to make the jump to a bigger club next season, although media reports suggest that Manchester United are looking to make a move for him in January.
TalkSPORT’s Andy Brassell reported that Seys would prefer a move to the Premier League and also prefers United, as he hopes to get more playing time at Old Trafford. He is expected to cost around €23.8 million.
4. David Raum
At 28, David Raum represents a ready-made solution for Manchester United’s defensive woes. The RB Leipzig captain is known as much for his leadership skills as for his defensive abilities. CaughtOffside reported that Raum has emerged as a leading transfer target, especially with his contract expiring next summer.
Raum would cost around £30 million, and a move would be beneficial for the player as well, having recently lost his place in the German national team due to his indifferent club form.
5. Mahamadou Nagida
Cameroonian youngster Mahamadou Nagida has emerged as a major transfer target for Manchester United ahead of the January transfer window. The 21-year-old, who currently plays for Ligue 1 side Rennes, has been closely monitored by United scouts, according to a TEAMtalk report.
Despite the Red Devils’ interest in Nagida, they will need to negotiate with Rennes to agree on a suitable fee, as the player’s contract runs until 2029. He would also be a more long-term project rather than a quick fix for United’s left-back woes.
Which left-backs are Manchester United targeting in January 2027?
Man United are reportedly interested in Alejandro Balde, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Joaquin Seys, David Raum and Mahamadou Nagida.
How much will Alejandro Balde cost Manchester United?
Barcelona are reportedly demanding around £30 million for Alejandro Balde, whose contract at the club expires in 2028.
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