Latest Manchester United transfer news with an update on Carlos Baleba
Carlos Baleba during a Brighton & Hove Albion game
Carlos Baleba during a Brighton & Hove Albion game
(Image: Getty Images Europe)
Manchester United duo Bryan Mbeumo and Andre Onana can help secure a potential move for Brighton's Carlos Baleba this summer. Ruben Amorim's side are in the market for a new central midfielder and Baleba, 21, has been identified as a top target after impressing for the Seagulls.
Baleba signed for Brighton in a £27million plus add-ons deal from Lille in August 2023 and he has since taken the Premier League by storm, emerging as one of the division's best midfielders.
According to The Athletic, United have contacted Brighton through intermediaries to explore a move to Old Trafford. The Reds are understood to be among the several suitors and interest is building in the ex-Lille man, who has three years left on his contract at the Amex Stadium.
Brighton, meanwhile, do not want to sell him until at least next summer. There is also a recognition that a move to United now might be unrealistic, especially if the Reds get a deal over the line for Benjamin Sesko. The RB Leipzig forward has made it clear that he wants to join United this summer.
But, should the Reds secure a raft of lucrative sales, a deal for Baleba to move to Manchester could happen - and there are two United players that could have an important role to play.
Mbeumo and Onana are international teammates with Baleba at Cameroon and the trio have played together on a couple of occasions. The most recent of those came during a World Cup qualifier in March, where Cameroon beat Libya 3-1, with Onana starting in goal, Baleba in midfield and Mbeumo on the right.
Having played with Mbeumo and Onana before and knowing them through the international scene, that could be a major pull for Baleba to move to United. Plus, Mbeumo and Onana can attempt to convince Baleba to make the switch to the Reds, as they know each-other.
The same can be said for United defender Leny Yoro, as the pair were teammates at Lille. Baleba and Yoro came through the ranks at the Ligue 1 club at the same time and are said to be good friends.
While United might not be able to get a deal across the line for Baleba this summer due to financial restrictions, the Reds are expected to continue tracking his situation for a future move down the line.
Baleba is thought to have a £100m release clause in his Brighton contract, which expires in 2028.
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