Manchester United push £100m Baleba bid to reshape midfield

Manchester United are intensifying their pursuit of Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, viewing the 21-year-old Cameroon midfielder as the crucial missing piece to their midfield core. With three high-profile attack signings already in place this summer, United are now pushing for a record-style move for Baleba, a player they believe can bring bite, pace and ball-winning quality to a 3-4-1-2 or 4-2-3-1 system. Brighton value Baleba highly and a price around the £100 million mark has been reported, making the deal one of the most expensive African-cap players in recent transfer history if it reaches completion.

Baleba’s profile has elevated him to the very top tier of United’s targets. He is praised for his stamina, ability to break up play and drive the team forward, traits that could help Manchester United control games more effectively and relieve pressure on the defence. Brighton have contracted Baleba until 2028, and the Seagulls are expected to demand a substantial fee to part with a player they see as central to their own project. United, however, are understood to have prepared an opening bid and are prepared to move quickly, with intermediaries already explored as part of the...