Carlos Baleba: Why United are ahead of Liverpool in the race for Brighton star | OneFootball

Manchester United face competition from Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur for the services of Carlos Baleba, according to reports.

United went against Ruben Amorim’s wish to sign a midfielder in January, as the club’s hierarchy were keen to spend their resources on a target for the long term.

Baleba has been on the club’s radar since last summer, and United also explored the possibility of signing the dynamic midfielder in the winter transfer window. Both of their attempts were met with a firm no from Brighton & Hove Albion.

Carlos Baleba available at a £30m discount

According to Teamtalk, Manchester United have been “handed a major encouragement” in their pursuit of Carlos Baleba, as Brighton are now expected to soften their stance in the summer.

Brighton have so far referred Baleba’s suitors to the £115 million fee Chelsea paid to them for Moisés Caicedo.

However, it is understood that a deal could now be struck closer to an overall package worth around £70 million, with the Cameroonian widely expected to leave the Amex at the end of the season.

United in pole position to sign Baleba

United remain the strongest pursuers of the 22-year-old, who is known for his athleticism and front-foot defending.

Baleba is seen as “the closest stylistic successor to Casemiro while still offering long-term value.”

The report adds: “Sources indicate that United’s persistence, combined with the player’s profile and the realistic expectation of a reduced fee leaves them in a strong position heading into the summer.”

Carlos Baleba Stats: 2025/26 Season

Liverpool and Tottenham also admire Baleba, but it is believed that United are “the best placed club” to sign the defensive midfielder, with both of their rivals “lagging behind”.

Despite their interest in Baleba, Liverpool are expected to prioritise replacing Mohamed Salah.

Meanwhile, Spurs are yet to make a decisive move amid their battle to avoid relegation.

Featured image Mike Hewitt via Getty Images

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