Manchester United are setting their sights on Brighton & Hove Albion's promising young midfielder Carlos Baleba as they look to revamp their squad this summer. The Red Devils have been urged by club legends Rio Ferdinand and Roy Keane to prioritise midfield reinforcements, and Baleba has emerged as a prime target.
Midfield Overhaul Needed at Old Trafford
Following a turbulent season, United's midfield has come under intense scrutiny. Both Ferdinand and Keane have publicly criticised the lack of dynamism and control in the engine room, with the former stating, "The midfield has been a problem area for too long."
Baleba, who joined Brighton from Lille last summer, has impressed with his combative style and technical ability. The 20-year-old Cameroonian has adapted well to Premier League football, making 24 appearances in his debut season.
Why Baleba Fits Ten Hag's Vision
Erik ten Hag is known to favour midfielders who can both break up play and initiate attacks - qualities Baleba has demonstrated at Brighton. His energy and ball-carrying ability could provide the perfect foil for United's more creative players.
Brighton are likely to demand a significant fee for their young star, with reports suggesting a valuation around £50 million. This wouldn't deter United, who have shown willingness to invest in young talent under their Dutch manager.
Competition for Signature
United aren't the only club monitoring Baleba's progress. Several top European sides have been linked with the midfielder, meaning the Red Devils may need to act quickly if they want to secure his services.
With pre-season preparations looming, United's recruitment team face a busy summer as they look to address multiple areas of the squad. The potential acquisition of Baleba could be the first step in rebuilding a midfield that has failed to consistently dominate games in recent seasons.
