 "Man United will need record bid to sign Carlos Baleba despite financial troubles highlighted by Ratcliffe")
Manchester United are not done shopping ahead of the 2025-26 English Premier League season as they are being heavily linked with Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba. As per the media reports in England, United have already made contact with Brighton, showing interest in signing the 21-year-old Cameroonian footballer, but his price could prove to be a stumbling block.
As per The Athletic, United are willing to pay £70m to secure the services of the midfielder, but Brighton are not interested in selling their player. The report further added that Brighton would only accept an offer above £115million. Brighton sold Moises Caicedo to Chelsea in 2023 for £115million.
Man Utd will have to break bank for Baleba
Caicedo was the most expensive player in Britain till Liverpool broke the record for Florian Wirtz with a £116.5m to Bayer Leverkusen.
Baleba still has three years left on his contract, putting Brighton in a very strong position as far as negotiations with United are concerned.
For the unversed, Baleba was signed by Brighton for £23m from Lille two years ago.
And the most expensive player in Man Utd’s history is Paul Pogba at £89.3m in 2016. To get Baleba, the Red Devils will have to break their own record.
Why United want Baleba?
After Manuel Ugarte failed to make an impression after joining the club last season from PSG, United are in need of a solid defensive midfielder, who will allow captain Bruno Fernandes to play more upfront without worrying about defensive duties at the back.
This would allow Fernandes to spend more time on the play and dictate the proceedings.
Also Read | Man United target Carlos Baleba, but already have a midfield gem rated by 10 Ballon d'Or winners
Another quality of Baleba is high pressing and the ability to reclaim the ball. This would allow manager Ruben Amorim to play his preferred possession-based high-press football.
United continues to spend big despite financial concerns
United have been very active in the transfer window, so far signing Matheus Cunha from Wolves for £62.5m, Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford for £71m, Diego Leon from Cerro Porteno for £7m and striker Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig for £74m.
It’s surprising given that United have let go of 450 people since Sir Jim Ratcliffe of Ineos took over as co-owner . They have also reduced multiple facilities for current employees, including cuts in lunch at office, but spending on the transfer deals have only increased.
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