Could Carlos Baleba, the Cameroonian midfielder for Brighton & Hove Albion, soon be gracing the pitch at Old Trafford in Manchester United colors? The rumor, which has persisted for several months, has resurfaced with force after the match between the two teams last Sunday.
Last summer, Manchester United already expressed strong interest in the young Indomitable Lion, impressed by his physical power and ability to break lines. However, Brighton proved inflexible, demanding no less than 100 million euros, a sum deemed excessive by Manchester United's management.
This season, the Baleba file has been reactivated, with Manchester United looking for a midfielder capable of replacing Casemiro, whose contract expires in June. Baleba's profile, aged just 22, matches the criteria sought: physical impact, intensity in midfield, and long-term investment potential for a club undergoing reconstruction.
Although Brighton has not officially expressed its intention to sell Baleba, his market value has decreased considerably. According to the British media outlet The i, Baleba would cost "significantly less than other options" for Manchester United, which could encourage the club to seize this opportunity.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has stated that Baleba wants to join Manchester United. Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has described Baleba as a world-class player.
However, Baleba's mixed performances this season have raised concerns, and some believe that a high-priced transfer would not represent a good investment. Despite this, Manchester United are looking for at least two midfielders in the next transfer window, and Baleba remains an option.
After Sunday's match, Brighton player Patrick Dorgu was asked about the possibility of Baleba joining Manchester United. His response? A simple smile and a "no comment". A telling silence as the Baleba to Manchester United saga seems to be gaining momentum once again. The Manchester club, led by Michael Carrick since the dismissal of Ruben Amorim, is looking for reinforcements to consolidate its third-place position in the league.
