Following a strong rumored interest from United in the summer regarding the Cameroonian midfielder, a transfer insider has revealed something that could potentially end the possibility of any future transfer.
Towards the end of this year’s summer transfer window, reports began to come out that Manchester United had turned their attention to a late move for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, with this later being confirmed by transfer journalist David Ornstein.
These reports came out not long after the signing of Benjamin Šeško, with United reportedly enquiring through intermediaries with Brighton as to what it would take to bring the midfielder to Old Trafford in the summer.
However, the price that Brighton supposedly quoted was astronomically high and they also made it public that they were unwilling to sell the Cameroonian international. This put an end to any potential Baleba move in the final weeks of the window.
Despite Brighton’s stance, the groundwork United have already put in regarding the failed deal has potentially put them in pole position for a future Baleba move.
But, a United insider has recently came out with a factor that could make United walk away from a future deal for the exciting midfielder.
Baleba potentially priced out
Whilst speaking on The United Stand, transfer journalist Ben Jacobs explained that United could look to lowball Brighton when they return for Baleba next summer and if the price is still too high, they could walk away from any potential deal.
“At this stage I wouldn’t say they’ve cooled their interest, I would just say there’s absolutely nothing Manchester United can do in terms of their pursuit for Carlos Baleba except let the player focus on his season, wait, and then come summer try and finally get a specific ballpark out of Brighton to start a negotiation, and if it’s £120m, they may walk away,” he explained.
With United reportedly considering several targets with a wide range of prices, if the price that Brighton is currently still demanding from the summer does not come down by the time next summer’s transfer window comes around, United will likely end up looking elsewhere.
Following a shaky start to Baleba’s season, which has seen him subbed off before the 70th minute numerous times this season, some United fans have seemingly become less keen on the signing, especially for the price that Brighton a reportedly quoting for the player, and would more likely prefer for United to pivot to one of their other options.
Alternatives to Baleba
In the event of United beginning to move away from the potential transfer of Baleba, the club have already put together a long list of candidates to fill the midfield role required by United and Amorim.
However many of these rumored names such as Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson, will also likely end demanding high transfer fees, with Wharton reportedly on the radar of European giants Real Madrid, and Forest also supposedly wanting a fee of roughly £120 million for Anderson, according to reports.
To combat this, the club has also identified targets that will likely cost significantly less and work as great alternatives, with players such as Stuttgart’s Angelo Stiller being mentioned as a great choice, as well as Chelsea’s Andrey Santos, also being in the mix.
United’s moves in the summer will ultimately depend on the availability of funds that the club will be able to provide Rúben Amorim, and who they will be able to attract.
With there being a wide number of quality options to choose from, United will not be bullied into overpaying for any players this summer.
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