Manchester United will have to battle both Manchester City and potentially Real Madrid to sign Carlos Baleba, after sources have revealed how confident Ruben Amorim’s men are of securing the Brighton & Hove Albion star.
Baleba is a 21-year-old midfielder who first joined Europe in January 2022 when he signed for the Little B team from Cameroonian club Brasseries. He quickly impressed the Lille coaches and was promoted to the first team, where he played 23 games.
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Baleba’s lightning career continues
Baleba’s rapid development continued when he signed for Brighton from Lille in August 2023 in a transfer worth £23 million.
Brighton are known for securing some of the best young players from around the world, and recruiters identified Baleba as the next big talent.
He has grown stronger and stronger on the south coast, with 77 games in all competitions.
The seven-time Cameroonian international is a versatile midfielder who uses his amazing game intelligence to intercept opposing passes before propelling Brighton forward either with a divisive pass or a powerful dribble into the attacking third.
Baleba can physically dominate opposing midfielders and also has an impressive work capacity – qualities that help Brighton immensely.
Brighton risks “losing” newest jewel
But Brighton are in increasing danger of losing their newest star either this summer or next. It was recently revealed that Man Utd have made contact regarding Baleba, who they see as their next big signing after Benjamin Šeško arrived from RB Leipzig.
But Man Utd will not get quite their way in their pursuit of Baleba. According to ESPN, rivals Man City could enter a transfer battle for the in-demand Premier League talent.
Pep Guardiola is a “long-time admirer” of Baleba and sees him as the future of Man City’s midfield, where he can help them phase out players like Ilkay Gündogan and Bernardo Silva.
Baleba has impressed scouts from both City and United, and he will soon be able to choose between the two Manchester giants.
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Brighton want to keep Baleba – but at the right price
Brighton are determined to keep Baleba for at least one more season to help them achieve their goals. Brighton have shown time and time again that they are running a tough negotiation, even if they feel the time has come for a sale.
TEAMtalk understands that Baleba already has a price range of £100 million, and it could rise further if he has an impressive 2025/26 season.
Brighton sold Moisés Caicedo to Chelsea for £100 million plus £15 million in bonuses in August 2023, and they believe Baleba has the potential to be even better.
Man Utd take a small step towards Baleba signing
TEAMtalk revealed on Friday that United are confident that Baleba wants to join them, after they signalled their interest through an initial request.
Ruben Amorim’s side have gained confidence after Šeško, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha all showed a strong desire to move to Old Trafford – despite the lack of European Cup football.
They believe Baleba can follow in these players’ footsteps and become part of Amorim’s project to get United back to where they belong.
According to our sources, the sale of Alejandro Garnacho would give United a significant financial boost in their pursuit of Baleba.
City are tough competitors – Madrid are lurking
But City are always tough opponents in the transfer market. The temptation to play – and develop – under Guardiola is often hard for players to resist.
In addition, City are likely to challenge for the league title before United, who finished in a disappointing 15th place last year.
Pundit Troy Deeney has warned United that it is “now or never” to complete the signing, because Real Madrid could make a rival bid in 12 months’ time.
A signing of Baleba would please Rio Ferdinand, who recently asked United to prioritise the midfield giant over Šeško.
Baleba’s unparalleled abilities will take United’s midfield to the next level and help them dominate games – something they have often failed to do in recent seasons.
