Liverpool will not launch a bid to sign 21-year-old Cameroonian international Carlos Baleba from Brighton & Hove Albion in the summer transfer window.
According to a report by Graeme Bailey on Rousing the Kop, Carlos Baleba is the subject of interest from Liverpool. However, the Reds are not eager to reinforce their midfield department in the summer transfer window. So, while the 21-year-old Brighton & Hove Albion prospect is a target, they will not launch a bid to secure his services this year.
With Liverpool waiting until next year to pursue Baleba’s signature, Manchester United will have a clear run at securing his services. However, convincing Brighton & Hove Albion to part ways with the African midfielder will be an uphill task, although the Seagulls want over £100 million to consider cashing in on him in the summer transfer window.
Carlos Baleba and his soaring stock
Carlos Baleba has established himself as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League since joining Brighton & Hove Albion from LOSC Lille in August 2023. The Cameroonian international took no time to land on his feet at the Amex Stadium, and he has been a mainstay in the middle of the park for the Seagulls in the last two years.
The 21-year-old has turned out 77 times thus far for Brighton & Hove Albion while chipping in with four goals and two assists. Meanwhile, Baleba’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs across Europe. Manchester United will be among the prospective suitors vying for his signature in the summer transfer window.
What next?
Recent reports have suggested that Carlos Baleba is a target for Liverpool. However, the Premier League champions have ruled out a summer move for the Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder, even though he is on their wishlist. The Reds do not want to bolster their midfield department this summer, as Arne Slot has enough resources in the middle of the park.
The update should boost Manchester United’s prospects, and recent reports have suggested that the Red Devils are the front-runners to sign Baleba. Ruben Amorim wants more options in the middle of the park, as Casemiro is in the twilight of his career. So, Manchester United must sign a holding midfielder, with Baleba emerging as a viable target.
However, convincing Brighton & Hove Albion to part ways with the 21-year-old Cameroonian international will be a tall order, although they will consider a sale for a bid of over £100 million. Meanwhile, Manchester United may keep all options open, with recent reports linking them with several alternatives, including Mikel Jauregizar.