Manchester United have identified Brighton & Hove Albion's burgeoning talent Carlos Baleba as a prime target to bolster their midfield options this summer, according to exclusive insights.
The Red Devils, under the stewardship of Erik ten Hag, are poised for a significant overhaul of their engine room. With the future of Brazilian stalwart Casemiro looking increasingly uncertain, the club's recruitment team has been scouring the market for dynamic, young replacements capable of anchoring the team for years to come.
The Cameroonian Dynamo Capturing Attention
Carlos Baleba, the 20-year-old Cameroonian international, has emerged as a standout candidate after a string of impressive performances in his debut Premier League season. Since his £23 million move from Lille last summer, Baleba has adapted swiftly to the rigours of English football, showcasing a compelling blend of tenacious tackling, elegant ball-carrying ability, and a seemingly endless engine.
His raw potential and rapid development under the tutelage of Roberto De Zerbi have not gone unnoticed at Old Trafford, where officials believe he possesses the ideal profile to thrive in Ten Hag's system.
A Crowded Transfer Shortlist
While Baleba is a name high on the list, United's search is extensive and reflects a multi-pronged strategy. The club is also keeping close tabs on other emerging talents across Europe:
- João Neves (Benfica): The highly-coveted Portuguese prodigy remains a dream signing, though his £100m+ release clause presents a formidable financial hurdle.
- Amadou Onana (Everton): A powerful, physical presence already proven in the Premier League, offering a more ready-made solution.
- Manu Koné (Borussia Mönchengladbach): A versatile and robust French midfielder known for his defensive prowess and ability to break lines with his passing.
This broad approach indicates United are preparing for various market scenarios, balancing ambition with financial pragmatism following the INEOS investment.
The Stumbling Block: Brighton's Famous Tough Negotiating
Any move for Baleba will inevitably run into Brighton's renowned and notoriously difficult negotiation process. The Seagulls, led by chairman Tony Bloom, are masters of extracting maximum value for their assets, as evidenced by the record-breaking fees received for Moisés Caicedo and Marc Cucurella.
With Baleba's contract running until 2028 and his stock rising with each performance, Brighton are under no pressure to sell. They would likely demand a fee significantly higher than the £23m they paid just a year ago, potentially testing United's resolve and budget.
The coming months will be crucial as Erik ten Hag and new technical director Jason Wilcox finalise their primary targets for what promises to be a pivotal summer transfer window at Old Trafford.
