Manchester United are delighted to see a huge price drop in a midfield target adored by Ruben Amorim with a rebuild desperately needed.
Manchester United are in certain need of a midfield rebuild as the current squad profiles are not set for the future of the club.
Manager Ruben Amorim has relied heavily on the partnership of Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro to be the core duo of his cemented 3-4-2-1 system, which requires the pair to cover lots of ground both on and off the ball.
One alternative option on the bench is Manuel Ugarte, who, since his £42m move from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2024, has underperformed in a red shirt.
Meanwhile, Academy product Kobbie Mainoo has yet to find his role in Amorim’s system as he struggles for consistent minutes on the pitch. The 20-year-old featured prominently under former manager Erik ten Hag as part of a midfield trio, but appears to be the wrong profile for Amorim’s formation.
The club’s search has extended across the top leagues in the world, with multiple midfield signings expected to happen within the next two to three transfer windows. Thankfully for United, they have seen a huge price drop in one of their biggest targets, which could see a new arrival at Old Trafford.
Brighton cut Baleba price tag ahead of January window
The summer of 2025 saw United target Brighton sensation, Carlos Baleba, who had shone in the previous season in the Premier League at the core of Fabian Hurzeler’s midfield.
The seagulls were insistent on a fee of around £100m, but with the Cameroonian’s recent drop of form, German outlet, TZ have reported that the asking price has dropped to roughly £75 million.
Amorim’s understood to be a huge admirer of Baleba, with his elite ability to bypass press to drive with the ball and progress his side up the pitch.
This is an aspect of Amorim’s current side that lacks, with both Fernandes excelling with his creativity on the ball, whilst Casemiro shines with his ball-winning and work out of possession.
With Casemiro’s contract expiring at the end of the season, he would only extend on the basis of receiving a significant pay cut, so the space for Baleba to step into the starting XI is a certain possibility.
United had already agreed personal terms with Baleba in the summer, and have been insistent on signing the 21-year-old despite other players catching the attention of the club.
Fabrizio Romano confirms Man United’s interest
Transfer guru, Fabrizio Romano has remained certain that United dream of signing Baleba.
He stated on YouTube, “My information remains that there are several names, but I keep telling you since August, don’t forget Man Utd want Carlos Baleba.”
“Baleba wants to got to Man Utd. Man Utd want Baleba. The conversation with the player and his agents were very good but at that time in August, Brighton didn’t want to sell the player.”
He continued, “In January, it’s likely to be a difficult deal. Brighton insist on not selling the player [in January]. But for the summer […] Man Utd see Baleba as a priority target.”
United also may have competition from German giants, Bayern Munich, who also appreciate Baleba but are more hesitant on the price tag of around £75m.
Alternative midfield options for United include Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson, who have both performed brilliantly when facing United in the league. The possibility of bringing in multiple signings is not ruled out as the club look to build for the future.
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