Man United are keen to sign Carlos Baleba, who is top of their midfield wishlist, but Rio Ferdinand has urged fans to keep their expectations in check
Rio Ferdinand on Rio Ferdinand Presents
Rio Ferdinand has had his say on Manchester United's interest in Carlos Baleba
(Image: YouTube/Rio Ferdinand Presents)
Rio Ferdinand has cautioned Manchester United supporters to temper their hopes regarding Carlos Baleba.
The 21-year-old Brighton midfielder is currently United's prime target in the centre of the park, but the hefty price tag required looks set to put them off, at least for now. Although Ferdinand admits he would love to see Baleba line up in red this campaign, he stressed that the Cameroon star wouldn't be a miracle fix for Ruben Amorim.
Instead, the ex-United defender argued Baleba would require a settling-in period before becoming a decisive figure. "Baleba, he's a young kid, he's a wonderful talent, high ceiling. [But] what I would say is, it's about managing expectations if someone like him does come in," Ferdinand explained on his Rio Ferdinand Presents YouTube channel.
"By no means am I saying that you buy him and he's the absolute answer and he's the key to everything being unlocked. He's a young kid who will need to develop. He'll need to be integrated into the squad, into the system.
"He'll have to learn and understand the responsibilities of being at Manchester United. Different requirements. Different pressure. All these things come into it when you sign for Manchester United. He'll make mistakes, but that's part of it."
Even with his plea for patience, Ferdinand is convinced Baleba has the tools to become a massive player for United and urged his former side to act swiftly this month. He warned that postponing the deal could see other top clubs circle in 2026, driving the cost even higher.
Carlos Baleba playing for Brighton
Brighton have slapped a £100m-plus price tag on Baleba
"He's something different to everything we've got there [in midfield]. And that difference is something that can really push this squad on. Not immediately, but it can happen. He'll learn," the 46-year-old added.
"My biggest fear is if we don't get him this window, everyone is awake now. Other teams will be at the desk next time with their chequebooks out and Brighton's asking price will be higher."
Brighton, however, have no interest in selling this summer and have placed a £104m valuation on Baleba to dissuade suitors - a figure influenced by Moises Caicedo's £115m switch to Chelsea in 2023.
Roy Keane raises his arms in anger on a podcast
Keane doesn't think United should splash out this summer
Ferdinand isn't the only United legend with reservations about the move. Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, Roy Keane said he thought the asking price was too steep for such an inexperienced player and wouldn't be keen on the move this window, unlike his former team-mate.
"I'd be surprised if it happened. Because I still think that kid, he's got to do a bit more," the Irishman said. "You're talking about £100m, but I still think it's potential with a lot of these players. You can't pay £100m for a player where you don't know which way he's going to go."
Baleba arrived at the Amex from Lille in 2023 for £26m, recruited as Caicedo's replacement after his record-breaking departure. Since then, he has rapidly developed into one of the league's standout ball-winners, combining defensive tenacity with calmness on the ball.
Carlos Baleba of Brighton & Hove Albion looks on
Baleba is top of Man United's midfield wishlist(Image: Getty Images)
The player is reportedly open to a transfer to Old Trafford, but won't force the issue if the clubs fail to agree terms. That, as things stand, looks a likely scenario, with United reportedly unwilling to match Brighton's valuation.
According to The Athletic, United are unlikely to submit a formal offer right now, aware that Baleba has only two Premier League campaigns under his belt. The Red Devils also recognise Brighton's reputation for hard bargaining, having previously demanded big fees for players like Marc Cucurella, Joao Pedro, and Ben White.
Finances add another complication. With more than £200m already spent on Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo, and Matheus Cunha this summer, signing Baleba would push their transfer spending above £300m - surpassing the club's record purchase of Paul Pogba for £89m in 2016.