Manchester United are ready to put a move for Carlos Baleba on hold, and Ruben Amorim has a golden opportunity to strengthen his midfield this summer while planning for the Cameroonian to arrive next year.
The Red Devils have reportedly been informed by Brighton & Hove Albion that Baleba isn't for sale in the ongoing transfer window. This has seemingly ruled out any chances of the 21-year-old joining Amorim's side this season.
United's recruitment team are now exploring alternatives, including Athletic Club's Mikel Jauregizar, but they have already done the groundwork on a deal for Douglas Luiz. The Brazilian is available amid a disastrous Juventus spell, but Nottingham Forest are closing in on his signature.
Man Utd Can Wait For Carlos Baleba By Signing Douglas Luiz
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INEOS evidently have a list of alternatives in mind as they continue to try and bring a much-needed number six to Old Trafford. But they haven't called off their pursuit of Baleba in its entirety and are willing to wait until next summer for the Brighton star.
Luiz was on United's shortlist earlier this summer, and it was reported that the club had "opened talks"over a potential loan-to-buy deal. That should be an even more tantalising prospect now that Baleba is off the cards until at least next year.
The 27-year-old has proven Premier League experience, having thrived at Aston Villa before heading to Turin in July 2024. He was a constant standout performer in Unai Emery's side and was crucial in the Villans' Champions League qualification.
Luiz is set to leave Juve amid a frustrating spell in Italy, where he's failed to live up to expectations. Forest are in pole position to bring him back to the Premier League and have agreed on personal terms.
That shouldn't rule United out of the race to sign the Brazil international because they have continuously seen off competition from Premier League rivals this summer. They beat Champions League competing Newcastle United to the signings of Benjamin Sesko and Bryan Mbeumo, proving their pull remains intact.
Luiz, dubbed "world-class", is also familiar with Manchester, having spent time with rivals Manchester City at the start of his career before heading to Villa Park in 2019. At 27 years of age, he should be in his prime and will relish the chance to reignite his career at Old Trafford and perhaps earn a permanent move next year.
A loan with an option to buy would allow United to wait and fund the Baleba deal next summer, using this window's budget to sign a new goalkeeper, with Senne Lemmens, who has been linked, the perfect option to compete with Andre Onana. It also allows Amorim to potentially replace Casemiro with a compatriot whose profile he perhaps prefers.
Amorim once suggested he preferred more energetic ball-winners (via Tribuna):
"I often discuss with my fellow coaches because they all love Casemiro and players like him. But I prefer those who rely more on intelligence than speed or aggression when recovering the ball."
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Luiz is of this mould, displaying composure in the middle of the park and using anticipation to regain possession rather than the more physical Casemiro. He can do a job in defensive midfield while also proving a handful going forward, managing an impressive tally of nine goals and five assists for Villa in the 2023/24 Premier League campaign.
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