Liverpool are looking to beat Premier League rivals Manchester United to the signing of Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, according to a new transfer claim.
The Cameroonian was strongly linked with a move away from the Seagulls in the summer transfer window, with United arguably leading the race to snap him up at the time.
Baleba’s form hasn’t always been convincing this season, with his head potentially turned by the interest in him from some big clubs, but he remains a young player with so much to offer.
According to a new report from TEAMtalk, Liverpool “could scupper” United’s chances of signing the 22-year-old in 2026, having “stunningly joined the race” for the Brighton star.
It is claimed that the Seagulls have “reduced their asking price from £100m to £87m”, adding that “the expectation is still that a transfer is more likely at the season’s end, rather than this month.”
Is Baleba the ideal midfield signing for Liverpool?
Liverpool need to be eyeing up a new central midfielder at the end of this season, especially with the likes of Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister being linked with summer exits, and Wataru Endo possibly moving on, too.
In Baleba, the Reds have a great option to bring in, with the Cameroon international possessing both technical quality and physical, being praised by Alan Shearer in the past:
“He was absolutely wonderful. He changed the tempo and performance on the front foot and defensively.”
Baleba hasn’t set the world alight for Brighton in recent months, but he has still averaged 1.1 tackles and clearances apiece in the Premier League, as well as completing 86.8% of his passes at the Africa Cup of Nations currently.
For Liverpool to beat United to his signature would only make things sweeter, ensuring their rivals miss out on a top-quality player, and he should be viewed as a leading midfield target in the summer window.
Whether Crystal Palace youngster Adam Wharton would be a better option is up for debate, but both are exciting talents who have proven their worth in the Premier League, with their best years still ahead of them.