Manchester United has contacted Brighton about a possible movement for midfielder Carlos Baleba, who also crossed Roy Keane's Radar after a striking campaign
Roy Keane's glowing assessment of Carlos Baleba can simply be justified this summer if Manchester United increases their interest in the Brighton Enforcer. The former captain of Ireland was one of the many who praised Baleba last season, and it seems that United has been upright and taken a note.
According to athletics, they have inquired about Brighton about the availability of the 21-year-old. After Moises Caicedo's large move to Chelsea to Chelsea in 2023, Baleba filled the void at the Amex and was quietly impressed by the role. Although not often in the spotlight, the Cameroon Star has become an essential part of the Brighton engine room.
Despite its low profile, the ability of Baleba has not gone unnoticed – with United Legend Keane Waxing Lyrical about him in March. The 53-year-old not only praised the displays of Baleba, but also welcomed the consistently sharp recruitment of Brighton, where the club apparently had the benefits of their investment in the midfielder.
“It will be interesting to see what is happening this summer,” said Keane on ITV after Baleba's striking performance in the FA Cup victory of Brighton on Newcastle. “Fantastic. Great example,” he added. “The other clubs have to look at Brighton and think, how do they do it?”
Although the discussions are underway, United understands that the signing of Baleba from Brighton will be difficult. He has left for his current contract for another three years, and the South Coast Club has gained a reputation for driving hard bargains – with a large sale of money for players such as Caicedo, Marc Cucurella, Joao Pedro and Ben White.
To further complicate things, United still prioritizing a movement for Benjamin Sesko – a transfer that could use much of their remaining budget. With around £ 130 million already dedicated to Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, Landing Sesko could take their total expenditure close to or after the £ 200 million.
Without income not yet from the sale of players and PSR problems that are still popping up, the Red Devils cannot afford to spend recklessly this summer. That said, signing a defensive midfielder is reportedly high on their agenda, and Baleba is one of the leading candidates.
Brighton now has the benefit in negotiations. Baleba is not only protected on a long -term contract, but the club has already put more than £ 100 million on sale this summer and plays players such as Pedro, Simon Adringa and Pervis Estupinan.
Baleba, who has previously attracted the attention from Liverpool, has also indicated that he is currently content in Brighton. “If they can help me, I accept that help to continue and develop. So I just work to help my team and for myself for the future,” he said in May.
“In exchange, everyone who helps me want me to go to the highest level. And if there are big clubs who want me, it's not something that worries me or makes me excited. I just have to work hard and keep a cool head.”
It is said that Balba's price tag from Lille has arrived for a fee of approximately £ 24 million and is reportedly shot up, with suggestions that Brighton could demand nearly £ 100 million for the promising midfielder.
The reputation of the seagulls for exposing undervalued talent, the development of them and selling a premium has put a benchmark in football recruitment in recent years. Even as their purchasing power grows, they continue to generate impressive profit through the sale of strategic players.
This summer a confrontation can see between the calculated transfer planning of Brighton and the ride from United to Land Elite Talent. Whether Keane's prediction carefully proves accurately – but if the negotiations continue, this could become one of the most mandatory transfersagas of the window.