Manchester United are interested in signing Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba - a player who caught former Red Devils skipper Roy Keane's eye last season
Roy Keane on ITV
Roy Keane's prediction about Carlos Baleba could come true
(Image: Getty Images)
Roy Keane's prediction about Carlos Baleba could come true this summer thanks to Manchester United - who are stepping up their interest in the Brighton enforcer.
The Irishman was among several Premier League observers who sang Baleba's praises last season, and it now appears United have taken notice after making contact with the Seagulls to explore a potential move for the 21-year-old, according to The Athletic.
Baleba stepped into Moises Caicedo's sizeable shoes at the Amex following the Ecuadorian's high-profile switch to Chelsea in 2023 - and he's quietly thrived ever since. Despite rarely making headlines, the Cameroon international has proven to be a vital cog in Brighton's midfield.
But while his impact has often flown under the radar, one man who did take notice was United legend Keane. The 53-year-old not only lauded Baleba's performances but also praised Brighton's consistently sharp recruitment as the club seems set to reap the rewards of their investment in the midfielder.
"It'll be interesting to see what happens this summer," Keane said on ITV, following an excellent Baleba display during Brighton's FA Cup win over Newcastle in March. "Fantastic. Great example," Keane continued. "The other clubs must be looking at Brighton and thinking, how are they doing it?"
Although contact has been made, United are well aware that prying Baleba from Brighton's grasp will be difficult. The midfielder has three years left on his contract and Brighton have earned a reputation as tough negotiators - extracting sizeable fees for the likes of Caicedo, Marc Cucurella, Joao Pedro, and Ben White.
Carlos Baleba
Brighton's Carlos Baleba is high on Man United's summer wish list
Complicating matters further, United's top priority remains Benjamin Sesko - a deal that could absorb the bulk of their remaining transfer budget. Having already spent around £130million on Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, signing Sesko would likely push their total outlay close to - or even past - the £200m mark.
With no income yet from player sales and financial constraints still looming, the club can ill afford to spend recklessly this summer. That said, signing a defensive midfielder is reportedly next on their priority list - and Baleba is among their very top targets.
Brighton, however, are in a strong negotiating position. Not only is Baleba tied down to a multi-year deal but they've also generated over £100m in player sales this summer after banking big sums for Joao Pedro, Simon Adringa and Pervis Estupinan.
Carlos Baleba and Kobbie Mainoo jostle for the ball
United may need to break their transfer record to sign Carlos Baleba this summer
Baleba, who has previously been linked with Liverpool, has also hinted that he's happy to stay on the south coast, despite interest from top clubs. "If they [Brighton] can help me, I'll accept that help to push forward and develop. So, I just work to help my team and for myself, to progress for the future," he said in May.
"In return, everyone who helps me wants me to go to the highest level. And if there are big clubs who want me, it's not something that worries me or gets me excited. I just need to work hard and keep a cool head."
Baleba joined Brighton from Lille for around £24m. Although the Seagulls haven't officially set a price, reports suggest they would demand close to £100m to let the Cameroonian go.
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Brighton's knack for discovering hidden gems, buying them cheaply, and selling for substantial profits has set a benchmark in football recruitment in recent years. Despite now being one of Europe's bigger spenders, the club have consistently generated significant funds from sales, regularly earning more than they invest.
As such, a clash between Brighton's strategic savvy and United's hunger for top talent could be on the cards - and only time will tell who comes out on top. But if talks progress, it could become one of the summer's most intriguing transfer battles.