Manchester United’s quest to bolster their midfield options has led them to Carlos Baleba, Brighton’s dynamic midfielder, who is poised to become the club’s next significant transfer. The Seagulls, known for their shrewd negotiations, acknowledge that they must entertain offers, positioning Baleba as their forthcoming major sale.
Despite expenditure this summer on Matheus Cunha (£62.5m), Bryan Mbeumo (£65m), Benjamin Sesko (£74m), and Diego Leon (£7m), Man United, under Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s fiscal vigilance, aim to secure both a goalkeeper and a central midfielder by the September 1 deadline.
The Old Trafford outfit, led by manager Ruben Amorim, perceives Baleba as the ‘ideal’ midfield addition. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has reported that United are currently striving to assess the “final official cost” of the potential acquisition, aware of Brighton’s knack for advantageous dealings. Speculation suggests that Brighton’s valuation hovers around £120 million, compelling United to tread cautiously before initiating an official bid.
Romano elucidated on GiveMeSport: “Negotiating with Brighton is never straightforward. They excel in such dialogues, which necessitates United’s patience to fully comprehend the financial commitment involved. The rumoured valuation is steep, yet the allure of Manchester United remains robust, appealing to Baleba even in the absence of European football.”
Meanwhile, Italian journalist Nicola Schira has disclosed that United have reached ‘an agreement in principle’ with Baleba over a contract extending to 2030, with an option for 2031.
However, a report from The Telegraph casts doubt on immediate progression. Although Baleba is highly coveted by United’s Ineos hierarchy, Brighton’s demand for a sum exceeding £100 million appears to render the deal unfeasible. As a club oriented towards profitable trading, Brighton would entertain propositions approaching the club-record fee of £115 million paid to Chelsea for Moises Caicedo. Acknowledging Baleba as their next key departure, Brighton find his current price beyond United’s willingness to spend this summer.
The analysis suggests that while Baleba is greatly admired by United, and stands at a juncture where his valuation might soar with another successful season, the club’s immediate financial strategy prioritises attacking acquisitions, typified by the £73.7 million signing of Slovenian forward Benjamin Sesko.
Brighton’s fortified bargaining position, amplified by Baleba’s swift development within his five-year contract, enables them to reject offers this window. There persists a sentiment that United could benefit from exploring a similar talent pool within Europe, though few clubs execute this strategy as proficiently as Brighton.
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