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Manchester United have reportedly made a big decision regarding a potential swoop for Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba.
United identify Baleba as top midfield target
Heading into the summer transfer window, bolstering the attacking department was United’s top priority. The club have since achieved this, completing deals for Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko from Wolverhampton Wanderers, Brentford and RB Leipzig respectively.
However, during pre-season, it became abundantly clear that United still require reinforcements, particularly in midfield.
Although there has been some improvement from last season, their continued struggles with build-up play and game control were still evident.
Amorim is keen to strengthen in the middle of the park, with Baleba the club’s priority target.
United have been in contact with Baleba’s representatives and the player is believed to be open to sealing a blockbuster switch to Old Trafford. Personal terms are not expected to be a problem.
However, getting a deal over the line is looking very difficult, amidst Brighton’s insistence that Baleba is not for sale.
Club boss Fabrian Hurzeler recently reaffirmed as much, emphasising that he is confident Baleba will stay ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Reports have suggested that the Seagulls value the Cameroonian at more than £100m – a sum that United will find incredibly hard to stump up unless they sell well before the close of the window.
Now, Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News has revealed that United are willing to wait until next summer to make a concrete swoop for Baleba.
United make huge Baleba decision
Luckhurst claims, “Manchester United are prepared to delay a move for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba until next year.”
“United have not completely given up on signing the 21-year-old before the transfer window closes on September 1 but senior sources concede a deal is unlikely.”
“External sources have suggested a deal this summer is ‘too difficult’.”
Luckhurst notes that United are still planning on signing a midfielder this summer but it’s unlikely to be Baleba. The Red Devils’ preference is to sign a midfielder on a permanent deal rather than a loan arrangement.
One player who might have joined United is Bayern Munich’s Joao Palhinha, but the club allowed Tottenham Hotspur to secure him on loan without mounting any challenge for his signature.
Featured image Mike Hewitt via Getty Images
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