Manchester United are interested in Brighton star Carlos Balebaplaceholder image
Manchester United are interested in Brighton star Carlos Baleba | Getty Images
Man Utd would like to sign a midfielder this summer but might have to wait to sign a top talent.
Manchester United have made initial enquiries over a potential move for Brighton star Carlos Baleba in the final month of the summer transfer window. Ruben Amorim would like to add a midfielder to his squad before deadline day, with the 21-year-old viewed as the ideal addition to his starting line up.
A move for Baleba is viewed as unlikely at this moment in time, and United would almost certainly have to sanction a big sale if they were to add the Brighton star alongside their proposed addition of RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko. Brighton have already made it clear they do not intend to sell Baleba this summer, and he is more likely to be on the move next year instead.
It means United might have a year to make their sales pitch to the Cameroon international if they are to convince him to move to Old Trafford in 2026. Casemiro will be out of contract at the end of the coming season and would provide the club with a huge saving in wages, while Toby Collyer could leave before deadline day to help facilitate a new midfield signing.
Read More
Brighton make Baleba stance clear
Manchester United's interest in Carlos Baleba emerged just hours before Brighton chief executive Paul Barber and head coach Fabian Hurzeler held their annual pre-season Fans' Forum.
It was no surprise to hear the pair asked about the recent transfer enquiry, though Barber reiterated that not only had he not spoken to United directly, but that Brighton would only sell Baleba when the time was right for them. He then went on to say he wanted the midfielder to stay for 'many years' to come, which suggests this summer isn't the right time.
"We've got some great talent, there's always going to be interest in our players," Barber said. "Manchester United have not been in touch with me. So from that point of view, speculation is speculation. We will always try to make sure we sell our best players at the right time, not just for the player but for us.
"If we end up doing that with any player, it's with the view to leave Fabian with a very competitive squad, whatever happens. We don't want to sell our best players. Carlos is a fantastic talent who has a lot of years ahead of him. We hope he will be here for many years to come. But it's something that, as always, is subjective to the dynamics of the football world which isn't always predictable."
Continue Reading