Manchester United are reportedly prepared to make a significant offer for Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba, signalling their determination to secure the Cameroon international’s services. Despite facing resistance from Brighton, the Red Devils are exploring alternative options should their pursuit of Baleba prove unsuccessful.
The Baleba Pursuit: A Record-Breaking Bid?
Manchester United are said to be preparing a bid in excess of £100 million for Baleba. This would surpass the £89 million they paid for Paul Pogba in 2016, currently the club’s record signing. While Brighton owner Tony Bloom is reportedly holding out for at least £115 million, United believe their initial offer could open the door for negotiations.
Baleba’s representatives have reportedly been in contact with United, who have outlined their vision for the player at Old Trafford. While Baleba isn’t actively pushing for a move, the prospect of joining a club of United’s stature could be tempting. Brighton, however, remain firm in their desire to retain the young midfielder.
Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler has publicly expressed confidence that Baleba will remain at the club beyond the summer transfer window. However, the allure of Champions League football and the prestige of playing for Manchester United could sway the player’s decision.
Alternative Targets: Hjulmand and Timber
Recognising the potential difficulty in prising Baleba away from Brighton, Manchester United have identified two alternative midfield targets: Morten Hjulmand and Quinten Timber.
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Morten Hjulmand: The Danish international, who previously worked with current United manager at Sporting CP, is reportedly valued at around £50 million. This represents a significantly cheaper option than Baleba.
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Quinten Timber: Feyenoord are believed to want at least €25 million for the Dutch midfielder, who is the twin brother of Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber. Some figures at Manchester United reportedly believe Timber is a better tactical fit for the team than Baleba.
Expert Opinions on Carlos Baleba
Several football figures have offered their opinions on Carlos Baleba and his potential move to Manchester United:
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Tim Sherwood: “He had a great second season for Brighton, and he will get better and probably move to a ‘bigger’ club.”
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Roy Keane: “I’d be surprised if it happened. I still think that he’s got to do a bit more. There’s still potential. You’re not going to pay £100m for a player that’s still you don’t know which way it’s going to go.”
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Fabian Hurzeler: “Overall he seems to be in a really good place. He’s enjoying it with his teammates. He’s enjoying being a Brighton player. He’s very grateful to have the process he had in the last season, so I don’t see any big change.”
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Troy Deeney: “I think United have to get him this window or they don’t get him. If he has another good season, I do think other teams with Real Madrid and the like will come in and go ‘Bosh, we’ll have him’.”
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James Milner: “I like being in the middle on the training field with someone like Carlos Baleba, whose potential is through the roof. So much ability.”
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Melissa Reddy: “Carlos Baleba is exactly the profile Manchester United need and it’s a very positive sign the club are pursuing a deal despite its difficulties (cost, Brighton’s stance + status as fierce negotiators), because in the recent past, they’d actively swerve those situations.”
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Paul Barber: “Carlos is a fantastic talent. We hope he’ll be here for years to come – but it’s subject to the dynamics of the football world, which isn’t always predictable.”
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Rio Ferdinand: “Baleba is a young kid but he’s a wonderful talent with a high ceiling. I’m not saying you buy him and he’s the answer straight away and the key to the team, I’m not saying that. He will need to be developed and integrated into the system. But he is something different to everything we’ve got and that difference is what’s needed to push this squad on. If he comes in I think he will be a breath of fresh air. My biggest fear is if United don’t get him this window, other teams will be at the table next summer with their chequebook out and Brighton will be demanding even more money.”
Other Manchester United Transfer News
Beyond the pursuit of Baleba, Manchester United are also dealing with other transfer matters:
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Marcus Rashford: The English forward has been told he is not good enough to play for Barcelona, despite joining the Spanish champions on loan earlier this summer.
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Outgoings: Manchester United have reportedly decided to cut their losses on an expensive flop and have agreed a deal to sell him for a modest fee, although a key element is holding up the transfer.
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Player U-Turn: A Manchester United player is now reportedly ready to make a complete U-turn on his future and accept the Red Devils’ request.