Manchester United reportedly know exactly what they want from their fifth summer signing as Rúben Amorim continues his transfer hunt.
Manchester United are closing in on the end of their summer transfer business, with Rúben Amorim still looking to reinforce his squad.
So far in the 2025 window, United have secured four signings: Matheus Cunha, Diego Leon, Bryan Mbeumo, and most recently, striker Benjamin Šeško.
The club have spent around £214 million on the quartet, with only Leon’s transfer coming in at under £60 million. Amorim is still targeting a midfielder and a goalkeeper, with Brighton’s Carlos Baleba emerging as his preferred option in midfield.
But with the 21-year-old valued at around £100 million, United will need to generate funds from player sales before making their next move.
United see midfielder move as essential
With United very keen on landing Brighton’s Cameroon midfielder if they can strike a deal this month, transfer expert David Ornstein has explained just how important United sees the midfield signing.
According to the journalist, United see signing a defensive midfielder as “absolutely essential”, with Amorim a very big fan of Baleba’s talents.
“Then the number six is absolutely essential in their mind. And at the top of that list is Carlos Baleba,” Ornstein said on The Sports Agents.
“Ruben Amorim is said to be a big fan. Manchester United are exploring that situation, and conversations have been held with Brighton via intermediaries working on their behalf to try and ascertain a number, a price.
“That hasn’t happened so far at the time of recording. Brighton have made clear that they don’t intend to sell him that they would prefer to keep him for at least another year. I don’t know of them being under pressure to do so.”
United could be priced out of Baleba transfer
While Baleba is absolutely the club’s dream target in the coming weeks, there is a real chance they may simply be priced out of a move for the player.
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According to The Telegraph, Brighton values Baleba at over £100 million this summer, and have absolutely no intention of letting him leave the Amex.
United are said to be unwilling to engage in a deal at that level, but remain interested. However, it is pointed out that if the 21-year-old plays well again in the coming season, his value could rise even further, effectively pricing United out of a move.
Although United hope that the funds raised from the sale of Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, Rasmus Højlund, and Jadon Sancho will raise capital, the club may still struggle to secure a deal before the deadline.
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