Carlos Baleba has been linked with a host of clubs as Manchester United continue to monitor the Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder, with Ruben Amorim looking to strengthen his midfield options
Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba has been linked with Arsenal
Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba has been linked with Arsenal(Image: Robin Jones/Getty Images)
Brighton & Hove Albion star Carlos Baleba has been told in no uncertain terms to turn down any approach from Chelsea.
The Manchester United target has attracted attention from numerous elite clubs over the past 12 months, though a former Cameroon international actually believes Liverpool represents his ideal destination.
United have been considering a summer swoop for the 21-year-old midfielder following an impressive season on the south coast. Nevertheless, Brighton are believed to be demanding approximately £100million for the player, who has also caught the eye of Manchester City.
Former Cameroon forward Bernard Tchoutang – who earned 42 caps for his nation and won the African Nations Cup in 2000 – has suggested his fellow countryman should opt to join United's fiercest rivals Liverpool next. He feels a move to Anfield would benefit Baleba most, whilst warning him against the idea of signing for Chelsea.
"For me, Liverpool is the club that would suit him best," Tchoutang told AfricaFoot earlier this year. "And I'm not just saying that because they're by far the best team in the Premier League this season and one of the strongest in Europe.
"Arne Slot's system of play would suit him very well. The Reds like to attack, press and make quick transitions. We also know that this is a club that knows how to trust young players and give them responsibility.
Bernard Tchoutang playing football
Bernard Tchoutang believes Liverpool are the ideal club for Carlos Baleba
"As for Chelsea, I'm not sure it would be a good choice. The team is having a decent season, but it's a step below Liverpool or Arsenal. And I think that Baleba has what it takes to play for one of the best teams in England! He's ready for it and he's working hard for it."
Neither Chelsea nor Liverpool are currently being heavily linked with the midfielder, though both clubs have previously expressed interest in his services.
United are believed to be Baleba's most ardent suitors when considering a summer move, although the club recognises that securing his signature this summer will prove very challenging, reports the Mirror. United could ultimately focus their attention on landing him next year instead.
Baleba made the switch to Brighton from Lille during the summer of 2023 in a deal worth £23million. Two years on, and Fabian Hurzeler's outfit are understood to be seeking nearly quadruple that figure should they consider parting company with the player this summer.
It appears extremely doubtful that Ruben Amorim's squad will possess the financial muscle to compete for Baleba's services this summer under the present circumstances.
Manager Ruben Amorim of Manchester United walks off the pitch after a game between Manchester United and Everton
Ruben Amorim is keen to add Baleba to his ranks(Image: 2025 Andrew J. Clark/ISI Photos)
United have struck a £74million agreement to bring Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig, which would push their summer expenditure beyond the £200million mark. The Red Devils have also already dismissed the possibility of including Toby Collyer in a part-exchange deal for Baleba to help reduce their immediate outlay.
Liverpool, on the other hand, seem unlikely to pursue a new midfielder after the foursome of Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Dzobozslai, Ryan Gravenberch and Curtis Jones propelled them to Premier League triumph last season. They also have Stefan Bajcetic returning from his loan spell at Las Palmas, although reports suggest a loan move to Celtic could be on the cards.
As for Chelsea, their midfield also seems settled with players like Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia expected to dominate. The Blues were also slapped with £78.5m in UEFA fines just last month for breaching spending limits, £51m of which is suspended.
Casemiro celebrates after scoring Manchester United's second goal during the UEFA Europa League semi final second leg football match between Manchester United and Athletic Club Bilbao
Casemiro would be set for a reduced role at United should Baleba sign
Alarmingly for United, this could put City in pole position to meet Brighton's requirements and secure Baleba's signature. Pep Guardiola has already brought in £46m Tijjani Reijnders to fill Kevin De Bruyne's shoes.
However, City's summer expenditure has been relatively modest compared to some rivals, while Brighton are extremely hesitant to let him go at present.