“Man United prepares irresistible offer for Carlos Baleba.”

Manchester United is preparing to make a bargain move for Carlos Baleba, the Brighton midfielder who has faced difficulties this season, sources close to the club reveal. Following a tumultuous campaign for the young Cameroonian, the Red Devils now see this business opportunity as a way to strengthen their midfield without the astronomical cost initially anticipated.

Last summer, Manchester United’s interest in Baleba surprised the market. Under the management of former coach Ruben Amorim, the signing of the 22-year-old midfielder seemed to fit perfectly into the 3-4-2-1 tactical system envisioned by the Portuguese coach. The club even reached personal terms with the player, who expressed a clear desire to move to Old Trafford, but negotiations with Brighton never progressed to an agreement between clubs.

Baleba arrived at the Amex Stadium to replace Moises Caicedo, who was sold to Chelsea for an impressive £115 million – a record transfer fee for a midfielder in the Premier League. For Brighton to release the Cameroonian, a financial proposal of a similar magnitude was expected, something that the administration led by INEOS was not willing to pay, especially considering the young player’s still limited experience in the English league.

With Amorim’s departure from the United in January and the appointment of Michael Carrick as interim manager, the scenario changed. Baleba’s drop in performance this season, which many attribute to the pressure generated by the interest from the Red Devils, made the deal more appealing to the English club. According to The Athletic, United’s officials continue to appreciate the player’s profile, highlighting his ability to cover ground, regain possession, and pass quality, attributes that fit the current needs of the team.

Baleba’s performances in the Africa Cup of Nations, where he represented Cameroon alongside teammate Bryan Mbeumo, showed a significant improvement compared to his form in the Premier League, reinforcing the interest of the Red Devils. However, the midfielder is now considered a secondary option on the list of reinforcements for the Old Trafford club, which is reflected in his valuation. While last summer his price hovered around £75 million, the English club is now aiming for a figure closer to £50 million, adjusted to the reality of financial priorities and the player’s performance.

A deal that combines the signing of Baleba with a primary target, such as Elliot Anderson, could be the key to an effective midfield revolution at Manchester United, in a strategy that combines cost containment with technical quality. Still, there is an obstacle to overcome: Tony Bloom, the owner of Brighton, is known for being a relentless negotiator. It remains to be seen if the owner will agree to lower the price to the extent that United desires.

The transfer of Carlos Baleba may not only be an opportunistic move but a key piece in the reconstruction of the Red Devils’ midfield, who are looking to become competitive at the highest European level again. The summer promises to be hot in negotiations between the two clubs, with United fans eagerly awaiting news that could restore the team’s shine.

This article first appeared on Apito Final.