There is always some drama around Manchester United. They play at the Theatre of Dreams, after all. And this summer has proven to be no different.
For weeks, it had looked like Ederson was going to join Manchester United. It was only thought to be a matter of time. But then, in a twist that nobody would have seen coming, the Old Trafford club appeared to pull out of the move in the final steps.
Why? That is still not completely clear to me. There have been suggestions that it was due to an issue in his medical. But then, he was fit enough to play for Brazil at the World Cup.
Anyways, Man Utd have already signed two midfielders this summer. Andrey Santos has been brought in from Chelsea. Youri Tielemans has also been signed from Aston Villa in a move that not many would have seen coming. But it is believed Michael Carrick wants a third midfielder to fill the void left behind by Casemiro’s exit. Who will that be?
Could £75 million-rated Premier League midfielder be Manchester United’s third signing?
Carlos Baleba has been suggested as the potential third midfield signing for Manchester United this summer after Santos and Tielemans.
According to a report from Football FanCast, Ben Jacobs said while speaking on The United Stand:
“If they’re prepared to meet the asking price, they could again do it relatively quickly because he is in a scenario like Youri Tielemans where he said last summer he only wants Manchester United, and the player’s perspective hasn’t changed. So if they come calling, personal terms will not be a problem.
“They could get the player buy-in, which means that they could get that singular negotiation with Brighton instead of a bidding war. But we’re just not at that stage yet because it’s Manchester United that have put the brakes on as they assess who this third midfielder is going to be.”
Would Baleba be the right signing for Manchester United?
Let’s not forget that Baleba was seen as the dream signing for Man Utd not too long ago. It did not materialise back then. And it looks like the midfielder’s transfer valuation has dropped since.
Could it lead to a move from Manchester United? Or will they end up going for a different option? That is something only time shall tell.
Let us not forget how highly Baleba was rated at one point in time in the recent past. Of course, football is a game of the here and now. But talent does not evaporate in a matter of months.
