Manchester United are only a move or two away from boasting the perfect summer transfer window and the club are now being advised to do this business now.
The transfer business so far completed by Manchester United is hard to criticise with each addition a massive upgrade and having room to improve.
First through the doors this summer was Matheus Cunha, as United made an uncharacteristically quick move to complete the signing of the Brazilian on June 1st.
Following Cunha, there was a six week gap before United finally announced Bryan Mbeumo on the eve of the US tour, with the Cameroon international seen as the next best thing to Mohamed Salah as a right sided attacker.
Now, United are about to announce Benjamin Sesko after agreeing to spend £66m on the Slovenian number nine who has the potential to be one of the world’s best in the near future. This could be expedited by the quality around him.
However, even after spending close to £200m, United are far from finished, with more work on the cards.
Carlos Baleba looks on during the Premier League match.
Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
Troy Deeney tells Manchester United that Carlos Baleba needs to be signed
United fans barely had time to digest the news of Benjamin Sesko joining the club before attentions were turned elsewhere.
United have been linked with Carlos Baleba, as the Brighton midfielder has been identified as a major target to significantly upgrade the middle of the park for the next decade
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This news has delighted United fans, but left other clubs very worried as if it happened, it could be a game-changer.
Now, speaking on talkSPORT, Troy Deeney has revealed that he thinks that Baleba could see United finish inside the top five with ease and maybe even better.
“I think United have to get him [Baleba] this window or they don’t get him, they have to get him now. If he has another good season I do think other teams, your Real Madrid’s and your Liverpool’s will come and go bosh, we’ll have him.
“I think if I am Amorim, I am kind of bullish on that. Get this deal done because then I can get you into Europe and then can obviously build from that. He changes that whole midfield.
“He can be the sitter and let Bruno Fernandes go and he can cover the ground. I think he’s a really special player. He moves them up 10-15 places in my opinion if he signs for Man United.”
This is a massive statement, and it is completely justified, showcasing exactly how good Baleba is and the difference he would make to Ruben Amorim’s team.
Carlos Baleba is a significant upgrade for Manchester United
The links with the 21-year-old are not out of nowhere, with Fabrizio Romano revealing that Baleba would be Amorim’s dream midfield target, with the Brighton star ticking every box the United boss laid out for his midfield in meetings with United before taking the job.
But just how much of an upgrade would he be on both current defensive midfielders in Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte. Here is how they stack up.
Baleba vs Casemiro vs Ugarte Premier League 24/25 stats
Statistic Baleba Casemiro Ugarte
Games 34 24 29
Pass completion % 88% 80% 89%
Chances created 21 22 10
Successful dribbles 33 3 18
Tackles won % 58% 60% 64%
Duels won % 55% 63% 52%
Aerial duels won % 59% 67% 50%
Interceptions 46 14 27
Recoveries 197 103 122
Casemiro’s stats stack up well against Baleba, but as we all know, mobility is the biggest issue for the Brazilian, as if he had Ugarte’s legs he would be a top class defensive midfielder still.
Baleba is still improving and has ways to go before he is perfect, but his physicality alone would make a world of difference for United.
This deal still doesn’t look likely, but if it happens it could be a title race on the cards.