New Delhi: After spending £201m on forward, Manchester United have set their sights on signing Carlos Baleba to resolve their midfield issues. With Benjamin Sesko set to become United’s third high-profile signing in the summer transfer window after Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, the Red Devils have turned their attention towards the 21-year-old Cameroonian midfielder who could be one of the last pieces of the jigsaw for Ruben Amorim’s United.
Baleba has attracted attention from United all summer, and now City have also joined their neighbours in the race to sign the gifted midfielder. The widespread interest has prompted Brighton to set a whopping €120 million (£105m, $139.4m) price tag on Baleba, according to sources as quoted by ESPN.
While United have not yet made contact with Brighton to enquire about Baleba, it is believed they remain in the market for a player of his profile
Following a dismal 15th-place finish in the 2024-25 season, United have identified the areas of improvement, with the lack of firepower at the front emerging as a high-priority issue to address. With just 44 goals, United had one of the worst attacks last season, but the arrivals of Mbuemo and Cunha, who scored 35 goals between them in the top flight and the impending move of Sesko, who is one of the sought-after strikers in Europe, have signalled United’s intention ahead of the upcoming season.
Can United sign Baleba, and is he the answer to their midfield woes?
Midfield is another area where United need improvement. While the lack of goals from the forwards was the biggest problem for the Red Devils last season, the undersupply of quality service also hindered their campaign. In Baleba, United will get a midfielder who can perform box-to-box duties, carry the ball under intense pressing, and disrupt play to stop attacks.
Though Amorim has plenty of options in the midfield but none possess the traits of a complete midfielder. Bruno Fernandes can provide, create and score, but is not fit for a deep-lying midfield role, same with Kobbie Mainoo and Mason Mount, who flourish in progressive positions. Ugarte has the traits of a box-to-box midfielder, but the Uruguayan lacks assurance and confidence under pressure. Brazil legend Casemiro is a proven performer, but at 33, he doesn’t have the same legs and energy.
Baleba’s arrival could help United’s midfield puzzle pieces fit into place, as it will allow all the other options in the centre of the pitch to play in their natural positions and perform to their true potential.
With United splurging a massive amount of money on forwards, signing Baleba will be a difficult task for United. Bringing a midfielder is only possible if the English giants can sell players deemed surplus to requirements by the Portuguese manager, such as Alejandro Garnacho, who is in talks with Chelsea for a move to London.