Manchester City and Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing 21-year-old Cameroonian international Carlos Baleba from Brighton & Hove Albion this summer.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Carlos Baleba is the subject of interest from Manchester City. The Citizens are keen on bolstering their first-team squad by signing another midfielder in the summer transfer window. So, the 21-year-old Brighton & Hove Albion mainstay has emerged as a target for the Premier League club.
Brighton & Hove Albion will demand around €120 million to part ways with the African midfield prospect in the summer transfer window. Meanwhile, an update by reputed Italian journalist Rudy Galetti has revealed that Manchester United will hold fresh talks and submit a bid to sign Baleba. The youngster is keen on joining the Red Devils this summer.
The rise and rise of Carlos Baleba
Carlos Baleba has established himself as one of the best young prospects in the Premier League since joining Brighton & Hove Albion from LOSC Lille in a deal worth €30 million in August 2023. The 21-year-old hit the groun running at the Amex Stadium, and he has been a mainstay in the middle of the park for the Seagulls in the last two seasons.
The Cameroonian international has turned out 77 times thus far for Brighton & Hove Albion while chipping in with four goals and two assists. Meanwhile, Baleba’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs across Europe. Manchester United and Manchester City are among the prospective suitors vying for his signature in the summer transfer window.
Move across the Premier League on the cards?
Carlos Baleba has been on Manchester City’s radar for a long time. The continued interest makes sense, considering Rodri’s long-term future at the Etihad is uncertain. So, Manchester City can do with a young holding midfielder, with Baleba emerging as a viable target. The Citizens should not have any qualms about Brighton & Hove Albion’s asking price of €120 million.
As for Manchester United, Casemiro is approaching the twilight of his career, and the Red Devils need an upgrade. So, Baleba is a top target, with the struggling Premier League giants set to hold fresh talks with Brighton & Hove Albion for his signature. However, the Seagulls’ asking price of €120 million may pose an issue for Manchester United.
Nevertheless, Baleba’s desire to join Manchester United is a shot in the arm for the Red Devils and Ruben Amorim. However, Manchester City’s emerging threat leaves Manchester United in a spot of bother, and it will be interesting to see what the future holds for the 21-year-old Cameroonian international.
