Former Manchester United star Roy Keane has already given his seal of approval towards top target Carlos Baleba.
Carlos Baleba is the highly-coveted midfielder Manchester United would love to sign. The Red Devils have expressed interest in the Brighton sensation.
The trouble is Brighton would be set to demand a high price for the 22-year-old, after a very impressive 2024-25 season.
Baleba even caught the eye of one of Manchester United’s greatest midfielders, club legend Roy Keane.
Carlos Baleba jogging in Brighton kit.
Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
Roy Keane praised Carlos Baleba
Roy Keane was left impressed by Carlos Baleba’s performance after Brighton knocked Newcastle out of the FA Cup this past season, in a 2-1 victory.
Baleba completed 97 per cent of his passes in the extra-time win, and Keane told ITV he liked what he saw.
He poignantly observed about Baleba, “It’ll be interesting to see what happens this summer,” wondering if clubs could come in to test Brighton’s resolve.
Keane then added: “Fantastic, great example. The other clubs must be looking at Brighton and thinking, how are they doing it?”
More United News
And this is the real point. Brighton’s scouting and player recruitment has been the envy of clubs like Manchester United for years.
The Seagulls made the move for Moises Caicedo in 2021 after Manchester United backed out. Brighton made a profit of £100 million on the midfielder.
After selling Caicedo to Chelsea, Brighton simply scooped up Baleba from Lille, a player who had been linked to Manchester United in early 2023. But of course, no move was made.
Manchester United would love Baleba, but must also consider unearthing a gem
Roy Keane’s point about Brighton’s recruitment model is that clubs like Manchester United would love to be as efficient in the market.
Baleba is a top talent who could be a great future partner for Kobbie Mainoo – but is there a player sitting in the French or German league available for £20 million with the same talent and potential?
If Brighton were to sell Baleba to Manchester United, you could guarantee they will have his successor lined up already, ready to snap up for a fraction of the price.
Wouldn’t it be great if United simply knew who Brighton’s Baleba replacement would be, and went in and signed him, saving the best part of £80 million in the process?