Manchester United’s ongoing search for a new quality midfielder has identified a new prime target. According to reports from France, the Red Devils are now in pole position to sign Brighton & Hove Albion’s impressive young midfielder, Carlos Baleba.
United have reportedly already taken the first concrete steps to make a deal happen this summer. It is understood that the club has made official contact with Brighton to learn the conditions of a potential transfer and to begin initial talks for the 21-year-old Cameroonian international.
However, while Manchester United may be leading the race, a deal will not be easy or cheap to complete. Brighton have once again demonstrated their tough negotiating stance and have made it clear they will only let Baleba leave if they receive a “substantial offer,” with the asking price reportedly set at a massive €100 million.
This move for Baleba is the latest development in manager Ruben Amorim’s quest to add more quality to his midfield. The club has been linked with several other players this summer, including Valencia’s Javi Guerra and Sporting’s Morten Hjulmand, but this direct approach for Baleba suggests he may now be their priority target.
Baleba has been a standout performer for Brighton since joining the club, earning rave reviews for his incredible energy, defensive work rate, and ability to drive forward from a deep-lying position. He is widely considered one of the Premier League’s most promising young central midfielders.
Manchester United have made their move for Carlos Baleba and are the current frontrunners. However, they now face the significant challenge of trying to negotiate down Brighton’s huge €100 million asking price in the coming days.