Manchester United are keen on Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, but his price-tag is proving a problem, and there are some potentially cheaper and more attainable options in the transfer market
Manchester United could turn to much cheaper alternatives if they are ultimately priced out of a move for Carlos Baleba. The Brighton midfielder has emerged as a potential target for Ruben Amorim, who is keen to strengthen his midfield ahead of his first full season at the helm.
United have reportedly made contact with the Seagulls, who could ask for around £100m for Baleba, as he still has three years remaining on his contract. United are believed to value him at closer to £70m, and it's been suggested that Baleba might request Brighton to reduce their asking price.
If any deal were to happen, though, United would need to offload further players to help boost their spending power.
To add further intrigue, Manchester City are also believed to be monitoring Baleba, who cost Brighton £23.2m when they signed him from Lille in 2023. If City don’t swoop in, United could decide to wait until a later transfer window, by which time Brighton’s asking price may have dropped.
But if Amorim determines that he needs midfield reinforcements before the September 1 deadline, here are some other, cheaper alternatives…
Lamine Camara
Monaco’s highly-rated 21-year-old, who has previously been linked with Tottenham, could be an option. An asking price of around the £53m mark – almost half of what it could cost to sign Baleba – has been reported.
Camara has already impressed at an English ground, starring for Senegal during their 3-1 friendly victory over England at the City Ground. Suited to the pressing game Amorim wants to play, Camara is adept at both stopping and starting attacks.
Hayden Hackney
There are a number of other cheaper options United could turn to, including Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney, 22. Having played under former United midfielder Michael Carrick, who was sacked by Boro earlier this summer, Hackney knows how to look after the ball.
He also does an excellent job out of possession too, with the ability to cover a lot of ground. Having not played in the Premier League, he would be one for the future, but could be a very wise investment.
Lucien Agoume
It seems a matter of of time before Agoume finds himself in the Premier League, with Arsenal believed to hold an interest in the Sevilla middleman.
The 23-year-old starred for France at the recent European Under-21 Championship, his final age-group tournament. He will now be looking to take his game to the next level for both club and country.
A lofty, combative midfielder, Agoume doesn’t take any prisoners, which could be just what Amorim’s midfield needs. He’s not lacking technically either and is capable of swashbuckling runs forward.
Adam Wharton
A more unlikely target compared to the aforementioned trio but Wharton could still be a cheaper option than Baleba. The England midfielder was linked with Liverpool earlier this summer, with a fee of £75-80m mooted.
Contracted to Palace until 2029 and with no release clause, the FA Cup winners are in a mightily strong position when it comes to one of their prized assets. However, given his immense quality, interest in him is sure to grow. United should be keeping tabs on his situation.