Manchester United have held talks with Carlos Baleba’s representatives over a potential move in the summer transfer window.
Manchester United explored a move for Carlos Baleba towards the end of last season, but quickly chose not to pursue a move for the Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder due to a high price tag set by his club.
Had United wanted to sign Baleba that summer, it would have cost over £100 million, potentially blocking the moves to sign Benjamin Šeško and Senne Lammens, who joined towards the end of the season.
With Casemiro set to leave the club at the end of the season, despite chants from the Stretford End: “One more year, one more year, Casemiro,” Director of Football Jason Wilcox is searching for the next defensive midfielder to partner Kobbie Mainoo at the base of the engine room.
Manuel Ugarte, Casemiro’s backup, also looks destined to leave Old Trafford in the summer, so reigniting interest in Carlos Baleba looks a real possibility, although United have also been linked with four other Premier League midfielders.
As well as Baleba, United are believed to be eyeing Elliot Anderson, Amadou Onana, Sandro Tonali and Adam Wharton.
What is blocking Baleba’s United move
As per CentreDevils, United have held talks with Baleba’s representatives last month, with the Brighton midfielder remaining high on the midfield shortlist, despite his poor form this season.
While the transfer fee may be high, personal terms are not expected to be an issue for Baleba. There is a possibility that they were discussed last season when a move was first discussed.
However, despite interest from both sides, United appear to have blocked the Baleba transfer until their managerial decision has been made – an issue that could be prevalent in summer signings this year.
CentreDevils say that Michael Carrick has been “fantastic” since he arrived at Old Trafford for his second managerial stint, and he is a “serious candidate” for the full-time position, but a decision hasn’t been made just yet.
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Can Baleba handle a United move?
Despite playing a key role for Brighton last season, Baleba has been in and out of the side this year. He has started 19 matches (from 24) in the Premier League, but played just 1274 minutes, equalling out to just over 14 full matches.
If he were to sign for United, Baleba would likely be pushed into the starting lineup from the off, especially if the Red Devils can’t sign more than one high-profile midfielder. But can he handle that?
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When United faced Brighton at Old Trafford in October, Baleba was withdrawn after 59 minutes following a very poor performance, during which many felt he could have been dismissed for two, if not three, yellow cards. He was unavailable for the FA Cup game due to the AFCON.
Before signing Baleba this summer, the recruitment team must consider whether he has the correct mentality to play for a club as big as United. If he doesn’t, it will just be a very expensive waste of money.
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