Carlos Baleba: Brighton’s Next £100m Midfield Star – Where Next?

Manchester United Eye Brighton’s Carlos Baleba in £100m Move

Manchester United have reportedly entered into discussions with Brighton regarding the potential signing of highly-rated midfielder Carlos Baleba, with a deal potentially valued at £100 million. The 21-year-old has quickly established himself as a key player for Brighton, making 34 appearances in his first season with the club, which finished eighth in the Premier League.

Baleba could join two national teammates at Old Trafford in the form of Andre Onana and new signing Bryan Mbuemo, as well as former Lille teammate Leny Yoro. His presence at Brighton highlights the club’s strong scouting system, which has successfully replaced top prospects like Moises Caicedo, who moved to Tottenham Hotspur, and Yves Bissouma.

What sets Carlos Baleba apart from other elite midfielders? What makes manager Ruben Amorim so confident that he is the missing piece for Manchester United?

A Calling from Douala

Born and raised in Douala, Cameroon, football was never just a hobby for Carlos Baleba—it was a calling. His hometown is also the birthplace of four-time African Player of the Year Samuel Eto’o, and Baleba hopes to surpass the legacy of the Barcelona legend. He has expressed his desire to win the Ballon D’or, inspired by players like Rodri, Declan Rice, and Matheus Cunha.

Baleba credits his work ethic to his father, Eugene Baleba, a former striker who implemented a strict training regime from a young age. This included two hours of non-stop running and sprinting between truck tyres to improve agility. His acrobatic back-flip celebration is also influenced by his father, who believed it would help with timing when reading the ball or scoring headers.

From Cameroon to Europe

Three years ago, Baleba was playing at an academy in Cameroon—Football des Brasseries. His rapid rise to one of Europe’s most sought-after players has been nothing short of impressive. In January 2022, he signed with Lille, where he joined fellow Cameroonian Joffrey Bazie in the reserve team. Despite not making his senior debut until the following season, he quickly impressed Lille supporters.

He also shared the pitch with current Manchester United defender Leny Yoro, sparking connections among fans. After joining Brighton in 2023 to fill the gap left by Moises Caicedo, Baleba faced pressure to adapt quickly to the Premier League.

Adapting to the Premier League

Growing up in Cameroon, Baleba was a fan of the Premier League and cited Paul Pogba as one of his biggest inspirations. However, adapting to the pace of the league was a challenge. In his first season, he made five errors leading to goals, only surpassed by Destiny Udogie of Tottenham.

Manager Robert De Zerbi remarked that Baleba “was perhaps not ready” but remained confident in his potential. Under new manager Fabian Hürzeler, Baleba has grown more comfortable, crediting the German manager for boosting his confidence.

A Rising Star in the Midfield

Since Hürzeler took over, Baleba has become a vital player for Brighton. By April last season, he was the only player in Europe’s top five leagues to complete more than 30 tackles, interceptions, clearances, take-ons, and aerial duels. His dynamic presence has made him a standout in the midfield.

Ruben Amorim sees Baleba as the perfect partner for Bruno Fernandes, combining defensive tenacity with technical ability. This is a key area where Manchester United struggled last season, with Manuel Ugarte and Casemiro lacking in passing and dribbling skills.

Stats That Speak Volumes

Baleba ranks fifth in progressive carries per 90 minutes among defensive midfielders and second in interceptions (1.44 per 90). Only Rodri has a better rate of winning possession, with Baleba averaging 6.58 times per game. Compared to potential future teammates, Baleba excels in passing accuracy and possession wins.

In contrast, Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte have lower successful passes per 90, while Casemiro struggles with passing accuracy. These stats highlight the need for an upgrade in Manchester United’s midfield.

A Challenging Season for Manchester United

Manchester United had their worst Premier League season in history in the 2023-24 campaign, finishing 15th and being outscored by West Ham and Wolves. They also lost the Europa League final to Tottenham, with a performance described as “shameful.”

Manager Ruben Amorim pointed to players losing the ball without pressure as a key issue. While Ugarte and Casemiro have strengths in tackling and duels, their weaknesses on the ball are evident. Baleba’s passing accuracy of 89.53% dwarfs Casemiro’s 81.66%, making him a valuable asset.

More Than Just Stats

Beyond statistics, Baleba brings bravery and enthusiasm to the midfield. He believes in taking risks and having confidence in oneself. His long-distance threat was on display during a Goal of the Month strike against West Ham, where he scored from 35 yards out with a powerful left-footed shot.

Despite only scoring three Premier League goals this season, Baleba remains a significant threat. His contract runs until 2028, with an option for an additional year, giving Brighton leverage if they decide to sell.

A Future Decision

While it’s debatable whether Manchester United is a step up for Baleba, the club’s recent signings suggest a strong project under Amorim. The Cameroonian may consider a move to Old Trafford, though the pressure of the Stretford End remains a challenge.

With a substantial fee required, Baleba faces a difficult choice. Only time will tell if he makes the right decision.