Manchester United are in the market for a new midfielder and both Carlos Baleba and Lucien Agoume have emerged as top targets.
Throughout the summer, it has been made clear that Ruben Amorim wants an “athletic” midfielder to be signed at Manchester United.
In the opening pre-season friendly against Leeds, Amorim spotted a “lack of pace” in midfield, and that issue has still not been addressed.
During Sunday’s 1-0 defeat to Arsenal, it was Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro who were picked to start, but Amorim clearly wants a younger, agile signing to complement his current options.
United made an approach for Carlos Baleba but Brighton are reluctant to sell until 2026. As a result, reports suggest Lucien Agoume is a United target this summer.
Lucien Agoume of Sevilla in action in pre-season.
Photo by Alex Gottschalk/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images
Carlos Baleba compared to Lucien Agoume stats
United fans were desperate to sign Baleba this summer, viewing the 21-year-old as the perfect fix to Amorim’s midfield issues.
But Agoume has emerged as an alternative option, and stats provided by Sofascore will help to decipher which is the better route for Ineos to take.
Sofascore infographic of head-to-head stats between Carlos Baleba and Lucien Agoume
Sofascore infographic.
The stats paint a clear picture that Baleba is dominant in almost every area, with Agoume only topping the Brighton star in key passes per game.
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Baleba leads the way in accurate passes, duels won, ball recoveries and interceptions per game. The numbers are taken from their performances in the 2024/25 season.
According to FBref, Agoume ranks in the 96th percentile of midfielders in top five leagues when it comes to interceptions made, yet Baleba is still performing higher in that area.
Baleba also marginally beats Agoume when it comes to goal contributions, and his Premier League goal of the month winner in April shows his incredible ability to shoot from range.
How much Man United have to pay for Carlos Baleba vs Lucien Agoume
While Baleba clearly dominates statistically, he is also a far more expensive option for United.
Brighton value Baleba at £115m as they want a fee similar to what Chelsea paid for Moises Caicedo. United are willing to wait until 2026 to return for the Cameroon international.
In contrast, Agoume is available for £35m due to a release clause in his Sevilla contract.
READ MORE: Man Utd’s Carlos Baleba pursuit sparked Wayne Rooney’s powerful stance on Brighton ace, his reaction says it all
However, Sevilla’s financial crisis could help United land Agoume, with the Spanish side eager to raise funds this summer. It is a much more realistic deal for Ineos to complete this summer compared to Baleba.
Whether or not Sevilla’s financial troubles could encourage them to accept a lower fee for Agoume is yet to be seen, with United yet to make an official approach.