Manchester United's hopes of signing Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba have been handed a significant boost, with reports suggesting the Seagulls are already scouting a potential replacement.
Brighton's Replacement Plan Emerges
According to The Telegraph, Brighton have identified Aston Villa's young midfielder Lamare Bogarde as a target. This move is viewed as part of a contingency plan should they decide to sell Carlos Baleba in a future transfer window.
The 21-year-old Bogarde, nephew of former Chelsea defender Winston Bogarde, is valued at over £25 million. He has broken into Unai Emery's first-team plans at Villa Park this season, impressing despite fierce competition for places.
United's Long-Standing Interest in Baleba
Manchester United's interest in the Cameroon international Baleba is long-standing. The club considered a move for the defensive midfielder last summer but were deterred by Brighton's staggering asking price, which was quoted at in excess of £100 million.
Instead, manager Ruben Amorim and the United recruitment team prioritised strengthening other areas of the squad, putting a midfield revamp on hold. However, Baleba remains a priority target for upcoming windows, alongside other names like Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton and England's Elliot Anderson.
What This Means for the Transfer
Brighton's proactive search for a successor is a clear signal that they could be open to selling Baleba if their valuation is met. The report indicates the South Coast club would still command a fee north of £100m for the 21-year-old, whose profile as a young, ball-winning midfielder is highly prized.
This development could be timely for United, who face midfield uncertainty with Casemiro's contract expiring in 2026 and questions over the long-term roles of Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte.
However, the potential move has its sceptics. United legend Paul Scholes recently expressed reservations about Baleba's readiness, suggesting he might be similar in profile to Moises Caicedo. During an analysis for Sky Sports, Schones indicated a preference for the technical qualities of Adam Wharton, stating: "I just think Wharton's got a little bit more quality. That's tough saying that. I think he's got more quality than Baleba."
Nevertheless, with Brighton seemingly preparing for life after Baleba, the path for a monumental transfer to Old Trafford appears clearer than it was just a few months ago.
