Reliable journalist reveals Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim is a big fan of Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba
Manchester United have been busy revamping their forward department this summer transfer window, signing an entirely new front three by bringing in Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko thus far.
Having addressed last season’s biggest problem of scoring goals by spending more than £200million already, the Mancunian giants now have shifted their focus on signing a defensive midfielder. The lack of legs in the engine room saw Ruben Amorim’s side get bypassed easily multiple times last term and even during this summer’s pre-season friendlies.
Casemiro is no more the force he once was during his prime, while Manuel Ugarte has not fully convinced Ruben Amorim. Kobbie Mainoo, like the majority of his teammates, had a rough 2024/25 campaign and did not do enough to cement his place in Amorim’s XI. As skipper Bruno Fernandes is expected to operate from a deeper role in the forthcoming campaign following the arrivals of Cunha and Mbeumo, the signing of a mobile No.6 has become an absolute priority before the transfer window slams shut.
Reliable journalist gives the latest update on Man United’s primary midfield target
Manchester United have made Brighton and Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba their summer window’s primary midfield transfer target.
Considered one of the brightest young talents in the Premier League, the African enforcer caught the eye last season with a series of scintillating displays for Fabian Hurzeler’s side. Not only was he efficient at breaking up the opposition’s play, but also his ability to motor past players with the ball, strength and goalscoring knack have made him such a coveted commodity in this market.
The Red Devils have explored a deal to sign Carlos Baleba and held talks over a potential move via intermediaries; however, the Seagulls have no interest in selling their prized asset this summer. Now, credible journalist David Ornstein has given an update on the player and interest from Man United. He says Amorim is a “big fan” of Baleba and wants him to be a part of his team, but Brighton prefers to keep him for another season at least.
“Then the number six is absolutely essential in their mind. And at the top of that list is Carlos Baleba,” David Ornstein exclusively said on The Sports Agents.
“Ruben Amorim is said to be a big fan. Manchester United are exploring that situation and conversations have been held with Brighton via intermediaries working on their behalf to try and ascertain a number, a price.
“That hasn’t happened so far at the time of recording. Brighton have made clear that they don’t intend to sell him that they would prefer to keep him for at least another year. I don’t know of them being under pressure to do so.”
Man United will have the break the bank to sign Brighton’s midfield powerhouse
A record fee will be required to land one of the Premier League’s hottest midfield talents. United are formulating a plan to sign Baleba in a record transfer, having given encouragement that agreeing personal terms would not be an issue. He is keen to move to Old Trafford this summer, which is a big positive.
Brighton are reportedly demanding a £105million package full the Cameroonian international, who still has three years left on his contract at the AMEX Stadium. With the player open to joining Amorim’s forces, it is now up to INEOS to persuade the Seagulls to sell their valuable asset. They are a selling clubs as evidenced by their transfer business over the years in the Premier League, so the last couple of weeks of the transfer window is going to be all about INEOS trying their best to land the head coach’s top midfield target.