Carlos Baleba: Brighton’s Next £100m Midfielder – Where Will He Go?

Manchester United Target Carlos Baleba in £100m Bid

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 already established himself as a key player for Brighton, making 34 appearances in the 2023/24 season, during which the club finished eighth in the Premier League.

Baleba could join two national teammates at Old Trafford in the form of Andre Onana and Bryan Mbuemo, as well as former Lille teammate Leny Yoro. His move to Manchester United would be another example of Brighton’s successful scouting system, following the departure of Moises Caicedo, who was later replaced by Yves Bissouma.

Brighton has a history of losing and replacing top-quality prospects, but they remain confident in their ability to do so again. However, what sets Carlos Baleba apart from other elite Premier League midfielders? What makes Ruben Amorim believe he is the missing piece of the puzzle?

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, regarded by many as the greatest African player in history. Despite this, Baleba aims to surpass Eto’o’s legacy, driven by his ambition to win the Ballon D’or. He has been inspired by players like Declan Rice, Matheus Cunha, Joelinton, and Rodri, who won the prestigious award in 2023.

“I want to win the Ballon D’or like Rodri,” Baleba said. “His success has opened the door for midfielders like us to believe we can win the Ballon D’or one day.”

From Cameroonian Academy to European Stardom

Just 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 is a testament to his work ethic, which he credits to his father, Eugene Baleba, a former striker. At the age of 10, his father implemented a strict training regime that involved two hours of running followed by sprinting between truck tyres to improve agility.

Baleba’s acrobatic back-flip celebration is also influenced by his father, who encouraged him to learn acrobatics to enhance his timing when reading the ball or scoring headers.

A Journey Through European Football

Despite interest from several European clubs while at Brasseries, Baleba chose to sign with Lille in January 2022. He was placed in the reserve team alongside fellow Cameroon youngster Joffrey Bazie. Although he didn’t make his senior debut until the 2022/23 season, he quickly impressed Lille supporters.

He also shared the pitch with current Manchester United defender Leny Yoro, leading fans to draw connections between the two players. Signed by Brighton in 2023 to fill the void left by Moises Caicedo, Baleba faced immense pressure to adapt to the Premier League and perform quickly.

Adapting to the Premier League

Growing up in Cameroon, Baleba had always been a fan of the Premier League. He cited Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba as one of his biggest inspirations, evident in his powerful and swift style of play. However, his early days in the Premier League were challenging, as he struggled to keep up with the pace.

Under manager Robert De Zerbi, Brighton employed an aggressive passing out the back system, requiring the holding midfielder to be comfortable and fast on the ball. In his first season, Baleba made five errors leading to goals—only Tottenham’s Destiny Udogie made more. De Zerbi remarked that the midfielder was “perhaps not ready” for the Premier League but remained confident in his potential.

New Manager, New Mindset

With the arrival of new manager Fabian Hürzeler, Baleba found a more supportive environment. Hürzeler advised him not to worry about mistakes, encouraging him to focus on the next ball. This shift in mindset helped Baleba gain confidence and express himself on the pitch.

Since Hürzeler took over, Baleba has become a vital player for Brighton, surpassing the contributions of his predecessors. 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.

A Perfect Fit for Manchester United?

Ruben Amorim sees Baleba as the ideal partner for Bruno Fernandes in a midfield pair. With his defensive tenacity, engine, and technical ability, Baleba could complement Fernandes effectively. This is a crucial area where Manchester United struggled last season, as Manuel Ugarte and Casemiro had technical deficiencies that limited their effectiveness.

Baleba ranks fifth among defensive midfielders in progressive carries per 90 minutes and second in interceptions. Only Rodri has a better rate of winning possession than him, making him a strong contender for a move to Old Trafford.

A High-Pressure Decision

Despite his impressive stats, Baleba faces a difficult decision if Manchester United can afford the substantial fee. With a contract until 2028 and the option for an additional year, Brighton will likely demand a considerable fee in return.

While it’s debatable whether Manchester United would be a step up for Baleba, the incoming signings of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and potentially Benjamin Sesko suggest a strong project under Amorim. This could entice Baleba to consider a move to Old Trafford.

The Future of a Star

Baleba’s work ethic and self-confidence suggest he is unlikely to be overwhelmed by the pressures of the Stretford End. If the deal goes through, the Cameroonian midfielder will face a critical choice that only time will answer.