The latest Manchester United news as a former Premier League player delivers his brutal verdict on Carlos Baleba’s price tag amid interest from United
Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United in the summer transfer window(Image: Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Former Premier League forward Paul Dickov has told Carlos Baleba what he must do if Manchester United are to entertain his reported £110m price tag. Ruben Amorim’s side were heavily linked with Baleba during the summer transfer window. However, United did not send a formal bid, with the 21-year-old’s fee deemed too high.
Brighton signed the young Cameroonian in 2023 for around £23m. Since moving to the Premier League, Baleba has made his debut for his national side and become a key player for a top English team. Brighton currently sit eleventh in the Premier League table, two points off Man United.
Baleba was reportedly keen on the move to Old Trafford, but a deal never materialised. Brighton seem to hold most of the cards in this transfer saga as, critically, the 21-year-old’s contract doesn’t expire until 2028. Even then, the youngster has an option for an extra year.
Although he has started this season more slowly after his impressive previous campaign, United remain linked with the defensive midfielder. But it’s his price tag that Dickov can’t quite get accustomed to. The former Scotland international believes Baleba must focus on himself before thinking of a future move.
He said in an interview with Best Betting Bonuses: “I didn’t really think he was worth £110 million in the summer, really, but he’s a wonderful player. He’s still a very young boy. Sometimes with the speculation and the pressure surrounding him in the summer, it can affect players. You know, the last couple of games, he has been better, but he has struggled this season.
Carlos Baleba battles with Bruno Fernandes for possession against Manchester United(Image: OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)
“That could be the pressure that’s been put on him. Sometimes the price tag, that talk of going to clubs like United, Chelsea or wherever it may be, it can affect you. I think what he’s got to do is, first and foremost, concentrate on himself and try to get his form back to somewhere where it was because he was outstanding last season.
“If he can do that, there’s going to be a lot of clubs that are going to come back knocking. But I’m not quite too sure about £110 million.”
With Casemiro’s contract due to expire in 2026, Baleba could be brought in as a fresh, direct replacement. However, with the experienced Brazilian experiencing a resurgence on the pitch, Amorim could have a dilemma on his hands next summer.
United are also reportedly interested in Elliot Anderson who can play a similar role to Baleba. Again, if United are seriously considering a deal for Anderson, they will need to pay at least £100m for the Nottingham Forest player.
Man United and Brighton have already faced off this season. Amorim’s side came out on top 4-2. They next play each other on the final Premier League gameweek, meaning Baleba’s final game for Brighton could be against his future club.
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