Manchester United’s efforts to sign Carlos Baleba are ongoing with discussions over the midfielder not crashing down yet.
Within Ruben Amorim’s tactical set-up, midfield is absolutely crucial and right now at Manchester United the number six role is the clearest issue within the starting line-up.
Amorim has requested a new midfielder, having been left unconvinced by Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte during his brief spell at the club so far.
Both Casemiro and Ugarte struggle to cope with the physical demands that Amorim places on his number six.
As a result, United are trying to sign Carlos Baleba from Brighton. However, the 21-year-old will cost a lot, upwards of £100m.
Such a hefty fee is justifiable on a player with the potential Baleba has, to be one of the world’s best midfielders, and will likely reach this level over the next 12 months. However, United could have signed an alternative for peanuts.
Lucas Bergvall in Spurs kit.
Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Lucas Bergvall would have been a brilliant Carlos Baleba alternative
United missed the chance to sign Baleba in 2023, which was the latest in a long line of transfer market blunders made by the Red Devils.
Another example is that United missed out on Moises Caicedo for just £4.5m, however, there is another example in the form of Lucas Bergvall.
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United were keen on signing Bergvall when he was 15, when he was a wonderkid, long before he eventually moved to Tottenham.
Annoyingly, Bergvall was on trial with United twice – first in 2020 and then in 2022, but the reason he wasn’t signed tied into Brexit restrictions.
Bergvall was pictured in a United kit during a youth game during his trial, but ultimately a deal wasn’t attainable. Instead, Bergvall joined Djugarden and then in 2024, was signed by Tottenham.
United however could have arranged an agreement for him to join after turning 18, but Manchester Evening News has since claimed that it was due to staff turnover that a deal fell through the next.
MEN added: “Sources say the turnover of United’s recruitment staff in 2022 contributed to Bergvall slipping the net. Bergvall ultimately opted to join Djurgardens in December 2022.”
Bergvall would have been an excellent Baleba alternative, and United will surely be kicking themselves, although it was prior to Ineos’ time and they would never have allowed this to happen.
How does Lucas Bergvall compare to Carlos Baleba?
While both are very young players, Bergvall at just 19 is already so complete and arguably one of Spurs’ best players.
When comparing the two, it becomes clear that Bergvall might have ticked the box of athletic midfielder Amorim wants.
Baleba Stat per 90 Bergvall
87.4% Pass completion % 87.6%
3.99 Progressive passes 4.10
1.45 Progressive carries 2.12
1.12 Successful take-ons 1.62
2.67 Tackles 2.57
1.56 Interceptions 1.62
1.59 Blocks 1.31
1.49 Clearances 1.71
1.32 Aerials won 0.68
The duo are very similar based on what they contribute, however Bergvall is two years younger and if United had acted like Ineos might have, he would currently be developing at Old Trafford.
It is also worth noting that neither play in top level teams right now, meaning their statistics will be slightly skewed from what they are truly capable of.