Real Madrid are on the hunt for a new defensive midfielder, as they seek to finally sign a Toni Kroos replacement. They hold a strong interest in Manchester City and Spain superstar Rodri Hernandez, but in fact, it could be another Premier League pivot that they make a move for.
That is the opinion of former Premier League striker Troy Deeney, who has told talkSPORT (via CaughtOffside) that Real Madrid could look to sign Carlos Baleba from Brighton next summer – provided that Manchester United fail to sign him from Brighton during the current transfer window.
“I think United have to get Baleba this window, or they don’t get him. If he has another good season, I do think other teams with Real Madrid and the like will come in and go ‘Bosh, we’ll have him’. I think if Man United want him…if I’m Ruben Amorim I’m kind of bullish on that. I’d be saying ‘get this deal done because then I can get you into Europe’. If they can sign him, he can move them up 10 spaces (in the Premier League standings).”
It’s clear that Real Madrid want a new defensive midfielder, but they are unlikely to get anyone in before this summer’s transfer window closes at the start of September. 2026 will almost certainly be the time to them to strike, and if Rodri is not available at that time, Baleba would be an excellent alternative.
At 21, he would be a perfect fit for Real Madrid’s transfer policy of signing younger players to become establish stars at the Santiago Bernabeu. They would also not be shy to pay Brighton’s asking price for the Cameroon international, so it will be interesting to see whether he is someone that enters their thoughts going into 2026.
Ceoabceik
1
man chester city is better
ziycnstuy
0
true
nicklptz
0
who is this guy Baleba getting all attention from the biggest clubs
Google him bro
nicklptz
3
please please guys go for this guy (baleba)please please
neyoh225
2
Well said you're genius Troy I salute your awareness of football look at that Bornemount defender that boy is a baller⚽
fekaeoprs
0
who is this guy Baleba getting all attention from the biggest clubs
He is a young talent from Cameroon 🇨🇲 national and he is doing the magic in premier league football. My person kiddo brother . I am proud of him and what he is doing
wicbcdprty
0
Good news. Rodri is not for sell and can not sell rodri to our enemies
if a player wants r.madrid or Barca move, the parent club can't do foko.
wizaikoy
2
rael madrid
Lueaeimryz
0
who is this Troy? He failed to play for a team better than Watford and he thinks he knows football. He couldn't even make the reserve side of Man u during his peak in football
That may be true about Deeney isn’t wrong. Whenever a player is now the talk you can count on Real Madrid may come calling. Madrid had surplus of players that are still quality that other clubs wanted before they went to Madrid and will gladly take them if Madrid put them on the block. The only thing is clubs pay what Madrid wants for them that irks me. Madrid comes calling the players head start spinning based on Madrid’s history and his club somehow lowers there price. If United wants Baleba they better get him before this transfer windows closes.
Honabeiklr
4
he's a monster midfielder that's underrated but later discovered, he played just like rodri, caceido, vitina and N'golo kante in combination very rugged as a player.
Dadademtuy
0
how much did real Madrid signed Jude b???
Pemcdopsz
1
real Madrid the want best nambre 6
cedadiuz
1
Real madrid is full players fighting for a spot..why he want to go there
returnofthesaith
0
Good news. Rodri is not for sell and can not sell rodri to our enemies
But Manchester City can sign him too considering the fitness level of Rodri after his lengthy injury sideline. Besides this, Manchester City are playing in UEFA Champions League competition.
muhceilrst
0
who is this guy Baleba getting all attention from the biggest clubs
Singapore1183229
0
Brighton keeps on selling you guys are going to get relegated.
fatiklnoy
1
Manchester NH united pls just and get baleba for me
dokemnopru
1
who is this Troy? He failed to play for a team better than Watford and he thinks he knows football. He couldn't even make the reserve side of Man u during his peak in football
Calvinvester
1
Good news. Rodri is not for sell and can not sell rodri to our enemies
ChiemezieJudah
2
Perfect signing for Real Madrid
Tocbdiksu
1
Troy always feel he knows stuff smfh waste of breath
Joshy88
1
Liess, Madrid only wait for players that are free agent, they won’t pay that huge sum which is obvious, same thing that happens with Yoro waiting for him to come free the following season
bayabikpr
2
Bad advise! Urging the club to buy overpriced players is bad thinking. Let Madrid buy him next year if they chose to do so. In the course of the coming season, many young talents will emerge even from within the EPL itself!
madeprsuz
0
Troy is always negative about united who told you that Madrid is blind now fuckin Deneey