A renewed pursuit is underway. Manchester United, after a frustrating summer, has been granted permission to formally bid for Brighton’s highly sought-after midfielder, Carlos Baleba.
Previous attempts to secure Baleba were rebuffed, Brighton holding firm with a staggering £120 million price tag. The club deemed the valuation too steep, effectively closing the door on a transfer, but a return for the player was always anticipated.
Now, the landscape has shifted. Reports indicate that manager Ruben Amorim and the new ownership group at INEOS have identified Baleba as a top priority for the upcoming transfer window, signaling a significant investment in the team’s future.
Negotiations have reopened, and sources confirm that United’s owners are prepared to offer approximately £90 million for the player – a substantial bid that Brighton is now willing to consider.
The potential arrival of Baleba could dramatically reshape Manchester United’s midfield. While Casemiro remains a vital component of Amorim’s rebuild, his long-term future at the club is clouded by an expiring contract in 2026 and a lack of extension talks.
Casemiro excels in direct confrontation, averaging an impressive 4.07 tackles per 90 minutes and boasting a 62.2% success rate in ground duels. He’s a master of positional discipline, a true defensive barrier.
Baleba, though, offers a different, yet equally valuable, skillset. Despite playing fewer minutes, his defensive contributions are remarkable, with 41 tackles and 26 interceptions to his name.
What truly sets Baleba apart is his relentless work rate and spatial awareness. He averages an exceptional 6.7 ball recoveries per 90 minutes – a figure that surpasses every current midfielder at Manchester United, highlighting his ability to win back possession.
This exceptional recovery rate suggests Baleba isn’t just a disruptor, but a proactive force in regaining control of the midfield, offering a dynamic energy that could elevate United’s overall performance.
The prospect of Baleba anchoring the midfield alongside, or potentially replacing, Casemiro presents a compelling vision for the future, one that could solidify Manchester United’s dominance in the center of the pitch.
