Manchester United Step Up Carlos Baleba Pursuit as Key Sales Loom

Manchester United are working hard to sign Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba before the transfer window closes, but they may need to sell players like Alejandro Garnacho, Antony or Jadon Sancho in order to meet Brighton’s high asking price.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Manchester United have made Baleba their top transfer target and have held talks with the midfielder’s representatives this week. However, United’s opening offer was below Brighton‘s valuation of the player, which is reportedly close to £87 million. Brighton believes Baleba wants the move and insists that salary terms will not be a problem, yet they aim to keep him at the club until at least 2026. United may need to sell players like Sancho or Antony in order to generate the funds needed to meet Brighton’s asking price. Baleba is keen on moving to Old Trafford, but a deal is difficult to achieve.

BALANCE OF POWER: FORM AND CONTEXT

Manchester United finished fifteenth in the Premier League last season, missing out on a spot in European football. The team’s midfield was a weakness, lacking energy and control, which new manager Ruben Amorim wants to address by signing Baleba. Brighton, on the other hand, finished eighth, with Baleba being one of their top performers last season, helping the team secure their position by making 32 league appearances and scoring four goals while assisting five times. He is regarded as one of the best young midfielders in Europe. Manchester United face Everton in their Premier League opener this weekend, as both teams are targeting a top-four finish after narrowly missing out last season.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR UNITED AND BALEBA?

Manchester United’s chances of signing Baleba could hinge on their ability to sell players to raise funds. The club is also interested in signing Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton. Brighton remains determined to keep Baleba for at least another year, but the player’s desire to move to Old Trafford may ultimately force their hand.