
Premier League
Midfielder Carlos Baleba is experiencing one of the most significant moments of his young career. At 21 years old, the Cameroonian player from Brighton has become one of the sensations in the Premier League and, simultaneously, one of the main targets for Manchester United to strengthen their midfield in the upcoming seasons.
Baleba, Manchester United's Priority for 2026
Manchester United is closely monitoring Carlos Baleba's progress. According to Sky Sports, the "Red Devils" have him as a top priority for the summer of 2026, when the club plans to make a significant investment to bolster their squad. The sports management at Old Trafford believes that Brighton's midfielder possesses the ideal qualities to lead the new project: youth, dominant physique, and a rare ability to progress with the ball, qualities hard to find in the current market.
The main obstacle is his price. Brighton has no intention of parting ways easily with one of their most promising gems and has made it clear that they will not entertain offers below 100 million euros. Despite the high figure, it does not entirely deter the United executives, as they are aware that Baleba's potential could justify such an investment in the medium term.
Brighton, Determined to Retain Their Gem
Brighton highly values the progression of Carlos Baleba, a player who has perfectly fit into the team's style of play. Since arriving from Lille, his growth has been constant. His physical prowess, tactical intelligence, and ability to break lines with powerful drives have made him a key piece in the South England team's scheme.
The club knows they have a strategic asset. At 21, Baleba not only brings balance but also has enormous room for improvement. In Brighton, they trust that if he sustains this progress, his market value could soar over the next few years, possibly surpassing current figures. Hence, their stance is firm: he won't be sold at any price, especially before reaching his football maturity.
The Evolution of Talent in the Premier League
Carlos Baleba has proven to be much more than a defensive midfielder. In the last season, he delivered decisive performances, like his memorable goal in the 92nd minute against West Ham, securing a 3-2 victory and propelling him to the front pages of major English media. That goal symbolized his competitive spirit and ability to shine in crucial moments.
His physicality and game reading make him one of the most complete midfielders in the Premier League. Nevertheless, he has also faced moments of inconsistency, owing to his youth and the demanding pace of the English league. Brighton acknowledges that he still needs to refine certain tactical aspects, but there is no doubt that the Cameroonian is destined to become a prominent European figure.
A Clear Path to Old Trafford?
Manchester United views Carlos Baleba as the natural heir to Casemiro, whose contract expires in 2026. The sports management sees in him the midfielder capable of providing a new balance to the team, one that is more modern, dynamic, and has potential for the next decade.
However, timing plays a crucial role. Brighton won't sell cheap, and United doesn't want to rush. Their plan is to continue monitoring his progress over the next seasons, aiming to make a move at the right moment. The risk, of course, is that other European giants like Bayern or PSG could advance and further increase the operation's cost.
For now, Carlos Baleba's destiny remains at Brighton, where he has earned respect and admiration from both teammates and opponents. Yet, all signs point to his name resurfacing strongly in Old Trafford's offices sooner rather than later. If he maintains his progress, Manchester United could have in him the midfielder who defines a new era in the Premier League.
This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El Manchester United pelea un fichaje de más de 100 millones de euros