Man City manager Pep Guardiola is a “long-time admirer” of Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, according to reports.
Rivals Manchester United have been heavily linked with a move for the Cameroon international in recent days.
The Red Devils are believed to have made contact with Baleba’s camp, although they have yet to formalise their interest by approaching Brighton.
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However, ESPN claim that the 21-year-old is also on City’s radar, even though United are more likely to table a bid this summer.
Baleba’s asking price is steep
Brighton signed the midfielder from Lille for €30m in the summer of 2023, but the Seagulls reportedly owe the French side 20% of the profits from any sale.
That means Baleba won’t be sold for a low fee, with ESPN reporting that his price tag could be as high as €120m (£104m).
At the moment, neither City nor United are likely to pay that much for the player, although the latter may make a bid before the transfer window closes if they can raise enough funds through player sales. They are hoping to offload Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Hojlund, Antony, Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia.
Man City may wait until next year
One factor to keep in mind is that Baleba will not force a move away from the Amex. He is said to be perfectly happy to stay where he is for now.
A transfer is thought to be likelier at the end of the season and City may well be in a better position to make an offer for him then.
Currently, the Manchester club are overloaded in the middle of the park, but Ilkay Gundogan, Mateo Kovacic, Kalvin Phillips and James McAtee have all been linked with departures. Not all of them will leave this summer but room could potentially open up for Baleba in the near future.
Read more about the Man City First Team Squad for 2025/26 here