Manchester United's potential target won't be up for grabs this summer, yet could command a groundbreaking transfer price tag in the next season
Manchester United Eyeing Record-Breaking Move for Brighton's Carlos Baleba
Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing Carlos Baleba from Brighton, with a potential transfer fee of over £100 million. This move would make Baleba one of the most expensive midfield transfers in Premier League history.
Brighton, however, are reluctant to sell their prized asset, setting a high valuation for the Uruguayan midfielder. The Seagulls have already rejected United's opening bids, indicating their firm stance on the player's worth.
Baleba, who joined Brighton from French side Lille in 2023 for around £23 million, has proven his value in the English top-flight. Last season, he averaged over two tackles per game, making him one of the best tacklers in the division. Only a limited number of midfielders, including Manchester United's Casemiro, averaged more tackles per game last season.
With Casemiro's contract expiring in 2026, Baleba could potentially replace him at Old Trafford if the deal goes through. However, United will have to wait until next summer to make a move, as Brighton are not willing to sell during this transfer window.
Brighton's ability to negotiate high fees for their players is evident, having sold stars like Joao Pedro to Chelsea this summer for £60 million. The club's hierarchy believes Baleba can be worth as much as Moises Caicedo, who was sold to Chelsea for a British record fee of £115 million.
Meanwhile, Manchester United are prepared to exceed their budget to secure Baleba's signature due to his potential impact and interest in the move. This determination is a testament to Baleba's impressive performances, where he had the seventh most ball recoveries in the Premier League last season, winning possession back 197 times in 34 games.
As the transfer saga continues, Brighton's manager Amorim appears to be seeking a replacement for Casemiro. If Casemiro departs, Manchester United's defensive midfield options would be limited to Joao Pedro and Manuel Ugarte.
This potential move for Baleba underscores Manchester United's ambition to strengthen their squad ahead of next season. The Red Devils will have to demonstrate their resolve in negotiations to secure the services of the highly-rated midfielder from Brighton.
- Manchester United's potential signing of Carlos Baleba from Brighton, given the reported transfer fee of over £100 million, could make him one of the most expensive midfield transfers in the history of the Premier League.
- Despite Manchester United's interest, Brighton's hesitance to sell Baleba is evident, as they have already rejected United's opening bids, setting a high valuation for the Uruguayan midfielder.
- Baleba's performances in the English Premier League last season saw him average over two tackles per game, placing him among the best tacklers in the division, even exceeding Manchester United's Casemiro in this category.
- As the transfer saga unfolds, both Brighton and Manchester United are engaging in negotiations, with Brighton's manager Amorim potentially seeking a replacement for Casemiro, should he depart from Old Trafford.
