- Manchester United cautious over Carlos Baleba
- Brighton midfielder has endured difficult season
- The Reds wanted him last summer
Manchester United’s midfield rebuild is taking shape, but one name that dominated last summer’s conversation has become a more complicated proposition.
Carlos Baleba was Ruben Amorim’s absolute priority target, and he indicated he was open to the move at the time. However, once the Seagulls made it crystal clear they were looking for a nine-figure sum, United opted not to bid and instead continued to invest in their attack.
Twelve months on, the situation has shifted dramatically. Baleba’s form has nosedived this season, and his valuation has tumbled from over £100 million to perhaps half that.
For Manchester United, that creates both an opportunity and a significant risk. The question is whether INEOS are willing to bet on a player who struggled under the weight of last summer’s links.
Ben Jacobs on Man United and Baleba
Reputable reporter Ben Jacobs gave an update on United’s interest in Baleba. He explained to The United Stand that he isn’t certain to be targeted:
“It is more 50/50 now whether United will follow up with the Baleba interest from last summer. The club likes the player’s mobility, energy, and potential chemistry with Kobbie Mainoo.”
Jacobs added that the timing of any move could depend on other targets:
“If we learn definitively that they can’t get Anderson and don’t want to bid as big for Tonali, then Baleba could suddenly appear in late April or early May as a more marketable opportunity.”
United have already cooled on Adam Wharton because his game is considered too similar to Mainoo’s. That leaves Elliot Anderson as the top target, with Manchester City still favourites, and Sandro Tonali as a possible alternative.
Baleba sits in his own category, not grouped with the others, but a standalone option. He has appeared 29 times across competitions this season but hasn’t always been a starter.
Risk of Signing out-of-form Carlos Baleba
There is no denying Baleba’s natural qualities. His mobility and energy are exactly what United’s midfield has lacked alongside Mainoo. But his terrible season for Brighton cannot be ignored.
Earlier in the campaign, the links to United were blamed in some quarters for turning his head. If that is true, how would he cope with the actual pressure of playing at Old Trafford?
The silver lining is financial. Brighton’s demands have plummeted, and a deal might now be possible for around £50 million. United already know Carlos Baleba won’t hesitate to agree on personal terms.
But spending significant money on a player who has regressed is a gamble. INEOS have earned credit for their recruitment record, but Baleba represents a test of whether they trust their scouting over the evidence of this season’s performances.
