Manchester United are actively pursuing Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba as their top midfield target, with the Seagulls demanding approximately £100-115 million for the 21-year-old Cameroonian, according to the Manchester Evening News. This fee would mirror the premium Brighton secured for Moises Caicedo's move to Chelsea, as dailystar.co.uk reports.
Ruben Amorim's side have already invested around £200 million this transfer window on attacking reinforcements Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo, and Matheus Cunha, the Manchester Evening News confirmed. The new arrivals represent a complete overhaul of United's front three, with Sesko recently presented to the Old Trafford crowd before the Fiorentina draw according to dailystar.co.uk.
Midfield priority
The club desperately needs a defensive midfielder who can protect the back three and prevent vulnerability in transition, as the Manchester Evening News reports. Without European football this season, United can focus entirely on Premier League success and domestic silverware, making midfield reinforcement crucial.
Baleba moved to Brighton from Lille and has emerged as one of Europe's most promising defensive midfielders, according to the Manchester Evening News. Brighton's asking price reflects their track record of securing premium fees for star players, with the Caicedo precedent setting the benchmark as dailystar.co.uk notes.
Alternative targets
Adam Wharton presents a more financially viable alternative despite Crystal Palace's £60 million valuation, the Manchester Evening News reports. CIES Football Observatory values the former Blackburn Rovers player at just €32-37 million, significantly below Palace's asking price.
Meanwhile, Javi Guerra has been ruled out as a target after signing a new Valencia contract until 2029 with an £87 million release clause, according to dailystar.co.uk. This narrows United's options in their comprehensive midfield search.
Ferguson-era boldness
The pursuit echoes Sir Alex Ferguson's bold transfer approach, when United secured England's finest talents including Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand, and Michael Carrick, as the Manchester Evening News observes. Current midfield issues include an aging Casemiro and the need for a dynamic partnership in Amorim's tactical system.
At 21 years old, both Baleba and Wharton represent long-term investments whose best years lie ahead, the Manchester Evening News notes. United's ownership have stressed avoiding past transfer mistakes while potentially restoring the club's place at English football's top table.
Sources used: "Manchester Evening News", "dailystar.co.uk" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
