Manchester United Eye Brighton's Carlos Baleba in £100 Million Move
Manchester United have reportedly entered into talks with Brighton regarding the potential signing of 21-year-old midfielder Carlos Baleba, a deal that could be worth up to £100 million. The young star has quickly become a key player for Brighton, making 34 appearances in his first season with the club, which finished eighth in the Premier League.
Baleba is expected to join two national teammates at Old Trafford—Andre Onana and new signing Bryan Mbuemo—as well as former Lille teammate Leny Yoro. His arrival would mark another success for Brighton’s scouting system, following the departure of Moises Caicedo, who moved to Tottenham Hotspur, and Yves Bissouma, who was replaced by Caicedo.
What sets Carlos Baleba apart from other elite midfielders in the Premier League? Why does manager Ruben Amorim believe he is the missing piece of the puzzle?
Amorim has emphasized the importance of personality in his transfer criteria, and it seems he has done extensive research on Baleba’s background. Born and raised in Douala, Cameroon, football was never just a hobby for Baleba—it was a calling. His hometown is also the birthplace of Samuel Eto’o, a four-time African Player of the Year and one of the greatest African players in history. Despite this, Baleba aims to surpass Eto’o’s legacy.
He has been inspired by players like Declan Rice, Matheus Cunha, and Joelinton, as well as watching Rodri win the Ballon D’Or. “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.”
Baleba’s ambitions are not out of line with his achievements. Three years ago, he was playing at an academy in Cameroon, but his rapid rise to Europe’s most sought-after players speaks volumes about his talent and work ethic. He credits his father, Eugene Baleba, for instilling a strict training regime that included hours of running and sprinting between truck tires to improve agility. This discipline is evident in his acrobatic back-flip celebrations, a nod to his father’s influence.
Despite his early success, Baleba’s career hasn’t always been smooth. While many European clubs showed interest in him during his time at Football des Brasseries, he chose to sign with Lille in 2022. There, he faced challenges, including a lack of senior appearances in his first season. However, he eventually made an impact, coming on for Angel Gomes and impressing fans.
Baleba has long admired the Premier League, citing Paul Pogba as one of his inspirations. However, adapting to the league’s pace was difficult. During his first season with Brighton under Robert De Zerbi, he struggled, making five errors leading to goals—only Destiny Udogie had more. De Zerbi acknowledged that Baleba wasn’t ready for the Premier League but remained confident in his potential.
Under new manager Fabian Hürzeler, Baleba has flourished. The German coach has helped him gain confidence, allowing him to express himself on the pitch. Since Hürzeler took over, Baleba has become a vital player for Brighton, surpassing the contributions of his predecessors.
In the 2023-24 season, Baleba has shown exceptional performance, ranking fifth among defensive midfielders in progressive carries per 90 minutes and second in interceptions. Only Rodri has a better rate of winning possession than Baleba, who wins the ball an average of 6.58 times per game.
Compared to potential future teammates at Manchester United, Baleba stands out in several areas. His passing accuracy of 89.53% dwarfs Casemiro’s 81.66%, and he ranks highly in interceptions and winning possession. While players like Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo struggle with passing accuracy and duel success, Baleba offers a clear upgrade.
Manchester United’s recent struggles highlight the need for such a player. Their worst Premier League season in history saw them finish 15th, and their Europa League final defeat to Tottenham exposed weaknesses in their midfield. Manager Ruben Amorim has pointed to issues with losing the ball without pressure, a problem that could be addressed by Baleba’s composure and technical ability.
Beyond stats, Baleba brings intangible qualities like bravery and enthusiasm. “You need the courage to come out with the ball in difficult and risky areas,” he said. “It’s all about the confidence you have in yourself.”
With a contract until 2028, Brighton is unlikely to let him go without a significant fee. However, the potential for a move to Old Trafford remains open, especially with Amorim building a strong project at Manchester United. Whether Baleba takes the step up will depend on his ambition and belief in his abilities.