Harry Maguire has made the same Manchester United transfer prediction as Bruno Fernandes for the final weeks of the window amid links to Carlos Baleba.
Manchester United made an impressive start to the summer transfer window, securing the signings of Matheus Cunha from Wolves and promising defender Diego Leon.
After protracted negotiations, Bryan Mbeumo also joined the squad in time for their US tour, while RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Šeško completed his move earlier this week.
The club remain busy in the market and are understood to have opened talks with Brighton over midfielder Carlos Baleba, who is reportedly eager to make the switch.
Baleba, who arrived at Brighton from Lille in the summer of 2023, has gone on to make 61 Premier League appearances for the Seagulls.
Reports suggest United made their first approach last week and have since held encouraging discussions with the player’s representatives.
Maguire makes same United transfer prediction as Fernandes
United’s need for new signings this summer was not only obvious to supporters but also to those in the squad at Old Trafford.
Earlier this month, Bruno Fernandes suggested that United still need another one or two signings. That was before Šeško joined the club.
“It was crystal clear that we needed more competition for the players that were here. We needed more quality to get everyone to step up a little bit more, to have more to do to get into the first eleven,” the club captain said.
“I think that’s what the club is trying to do, the manager, and hopefully we can get one or two players more to help with that.”
In an interview with Rio Ferdinand last week, Harry Maguire made a similar prediction and claimed that United could get two more signings over the line before the window closes.
Speaking before Šeško’s arrival, Maguire said: “We’ve had a full pre-season, I think the lads look a lot leaner and sharper. There’s good competition for places now, and I’m sure they’ll bring in a couple more [signings], but yeah, it’s looking a lot brighter.”
Baleba is that desired signing
Of course, since Fernandes and Maguire spoke, United have secured one of those signings and it is an important one in Šeško.
But as they both mentioned, it would be good to get a fourth major signing over the line and it looks like the club are aiming for that to be Baleba.
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The Brighton midfielder is the first-choice option at Old Trafford and the feeling seems to be that United will attempt a move if they can secure some sales in the coming weeks.
With the players eager to get improved competition in the team, they would certainly welcome the addition of Baleba along with Šeško, Cunha and Mbeumo.
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