Latest Manchester United news as the Reds explore a move for Carlos Baleba from Brighton
Carlos Baleba during a Brighton & Hove Albion game
Carlos Baleba during a Brighton & Hove Albion game(Image: CameraSport via Getty Images)
Manchester United are eyeing up a potential summer move for Brighton's Carlos Baleba. Ruben Amorim's side are in the market for a new central midfielder and Baleba, 21, has emerged as a top target for that position.
The Cameroon international has three years left on his contract and 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 impressed since his move to the Premier League in 2023.
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 RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko.
Unless United are able to secure a number of lucrative sales, they are not expected to be able to afford a move for Baleba this summer. He is said to have a £100million release clause in his Brighton contract.
But if United can sell a raft of players and sign Baleba, he would complete a 'dream' midfield for Amorim next season. Baleba would slot into the No.6 position in Amorim's 3-4-2-1 formation.
Next to Baleba in central midfield would be Bruno Fernandes. Yes, the Portugal international's best and preferred role is the more advanced No.10, but with new arrivals Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo expected to be used as the two attacking midfielders, Fernandes is set to drop into a deeper position.
A midfield two of Baleba and Fernandes has the potential to be among the best in the Premier League, that is for sure. Ahead of them would therefore be Cunha and Mbeumo with Sesko as the No.9.
How would that leave the other midfielders in the United squad? Well, Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte should be kept for much-needed competition, as should Mason Mount, who can be used anywhere across the midfield.
However, in order to fund a move for Baleba, Kobbie Mainoo could be sold. The 21-year-old doesn't have a clear role in Amorim's system and United would be able to fetch around £70m for his services.
It's a deal that would make sense all-round. United would make pure profit on a big-money asset and Mainoo would have the chance to be used in a more suited role somewhere else, such as Chelsea.
Toby Collyer is the other first-team midfielder named in the United squad not mentioned thus far, but he would be kept as back-up and competition in case the Reds get a series of injuries throughout the season.
Dream United central midfield pairing: Bruno Fernandes, Carlos Baleba
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