Manchester United are looking to sign multiple new midfielders this summer amid their continued interest in Brighton’s Carlos Baleba.
Manchester United added four new senior players to bolster Rúben Amorim’s squad during the summer window.
Benjamin Šeško, Bryan Mbeumo, and Matheus Cunha were signed to upgrade the attacking options, while Senne Lammens arrived to reinforce the goalkeeping department and has already taken over as the club’s No. 1.
Despite spending more than £200 million, notable gaps remain in the squad, and United are already shifting focus toward their plans for next summer.
Last summer, they enquired about the possibility of also adding Brighton’s Carlos Baleba to their squad before the end of August, but after learning that the Seagulls would be asking for at least £90-100 million, United shelved the plans until 2026.
United still want Baleba despite form dip
Since United’s interest in Baleba became public and concrete, the Cameroon international has struggled with a relatively poor start to the season. At one point, Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler admitted that the links to United have contributed to the 21-year-old’s mixed form.
However, according to journalist Ben Jacobs, this has not deterred United from their desire to secure the talented midfielder, and the groundwork they have laid so far this season has given them a significant advantage in the summer market.
After explaining to The United Stand that Brighton still believes they can secure a fee of around £100 million for the player, Jacobs said, “So what Manchester United have done is they’ve been very smart and they’ve done all the legwork. They’ve got the player buy-in. Carlos Baleba likes the idea of moving to Manchester United.
“He’s not the same as, for example, Liam Delap, [who said] come the end of the season, if you don’t get Champions League football, I’m not moving. He’s more in the Cunha and Mbeumo camp. His heart is set on Manchester United in an ideal world.
“Of course, other suitors could come to the table, and there may be competition, but that’s the advantage of Manchester United moving. Even though Brighton didn’t want to do business last summer, they know the player wants to move.
“They like him, and they’re not put off by the fact that at the moment, his form isn’t the same as last season. So that one remains a realistic possibility, but it is a huge outlay.”
United could sign both Anderson and Baleba
As well as interest in Baleba, United are reportedly eyeing a possible move for Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson, who has been a standout performer in the Premier League last season.
According ot Jacobs, Anderson’s transfer fee will not be as high as the £100-120 million quoted elsewhere, and that it’s certainly possible that United could secure both midfielders.
“Would they do Elliot Anderson and Carlos Baleba? Yes, in the summer, because I’m not led to believe both players would be around 120 million,” Jacobs said.
Jacobs also explained that he feels that while the Anderson fee will not be as high, provisions in his contract means that factors such as Champions League football, Forest’s possible relegation, and several other elements will determine his eventual price.
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