Manchester United have made contact with Brighton over a potential move for midfielder Carlos Baleba, who also crossed Roy Keane's radar after a standout campaign
Roy Keane's glowing assessment of Carlos Baleba might just be vindicated this summer as Manchester United ramp up their interest in the Brighton enforcer. The former Ireland captain was one of many who heaped praise on Baleba last season, and it seems United have sat up and taken note.
They've made enquiries to Brighton about the 21-year-old's availability, according to The Athletic. After Moises Caicedo's big-money move to Chelsea in 2023, Baleba filled the void at the Amex and has quietly impressed in the role. Though not often in the spotlight, the Cameroon star has become an essential part of Brighton's engine room.
Despite his low profile, Baleba's ability hasn't gone unnoticed - with United legend Keane waxing lyrical about him back in March. The 53-year-old not only commended Baleba's displays but also applauded Brighton's consistently sharp recruitment, with the club seemingly set to reap the rewards of their investment in the midfielder.
"It'll be interesting to see what happens this summer," Keane said on ITV following Baleba's standout performance in Brighton's FA Cup victory over Newcastle. "Fantastic. Great example," he added. "The other clubs must be looking at Brighton and thinking, how are they doing it?"
Although discussions are underway, United understand that signing Baleba from Brighton will be difficult. He still has three years left on his current contract, and the south coast club have gained a reputation for driving hard bargains - having secured big-money sales for players like Caicedo, Marc Cucurella, Joao Pedro and Ben White.
To complicate matters further, United are still prioritising a move for Benjamin Sesko - a transfer that could consume much of their remaining budget. With approximately £130million already committed to Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, landing Sesko could take their total spending close to or beyond the £200m mark.
With no income yet from player sales and PSR concerns still looming, the Red Devils can ill afford to spend recklessly this summer. That said, signing a defensive midfielder is reportedly high on their agenda, and Baleba is among the leading candidates.
Brighton, meanwhile, hold the advantage in negotiations. Not only is Baleba secured on a long-term contract, but the club has already brought in over £100m in sales this summer, cashing in on players like Pedro, Simon Adringa and Pervis Estupinan.
Baleba, who has previously attracted attention from Liverpool, has also indicated he's content at Brighton for now. "If they can help me, I'll accept that help to push forward and develop. So, I just work to help my team and for myself, to progress for the future," he said in May.
"In return, everyone who helps me wants me to go to the highest level. And if there are big clubs who want me, it's not something that worries me or gets me excited. I just need to work hard and keep a cool head."
Having arrived from Lille for a fee of around £24m, Baleba's price tag has reportedly skyrocketed, with suggestions Brighton could demand close to £100m for the promising midfielder.
The Seagulls' reputation for uncovering undervalued talent, developing them, and selling at a premium has set a benchmark in football recruitment in recent years. Even as their spending power grows, they continue to generate impressive profits through strategic player sales.
This summer may see a showdown between Brighton's calculated transfer planning and United's drive to land elite talent. Whether Keane's prediction proves accurate remains to be seen - but if negotiations advance, this could become one of the window's most compelling transfer sagas.