Carlos Baleba: How staff at Carrington reacted to news of United closing in on blockbuster signing | OneFootball

3

Manchester United’s recruitment team had a quiet last few weeks in the summer transfer market, which led to much frustration among the fan base.

However, on Wednesday afternoon, The Athletic’s David Ornstein reported that United and Brighton & Hove Albion are closing in on a deal for midfielder Carlos Baleba.

The two clubs are yet to find an agreement following United’s offer of around £60m plus £5m in add-ons, but all parties are working towards finding an agreement for Baleba to move to Old Trafford.

Carlos Baleba talks stun Manchester United staff

Under INEOS, Manchester United have pivoted away from entering bidding wars and paying premium figures for their preferred targets.

Instead, the Red Devils have moved decisively and quietly to target reasonably priced players who are determined to be part of their project. Deals for Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans fit that approach, and now the pursuit of Carlos Baleba is no different.

As such, whenever a breakthrough is made, fans, pundits, journalists and even the club’s staff are left surprised.

According to Sully (via UtdDistrict), a reliable source for all things United, Amazon’s cameras officially went live at Carrington this morning, which happens to coincide with the Carlos Baleba news.

It is understood “nearly all” United staff were left shocked by the news, apart from the recruitment team, who all had “a big smile on their faces.”

Carlos Baleba could be perfect for Manchester United

Baleba has been on United’s radar since last summer, with the club’s recruitment team, who rely heavily on data, valuing the Cameroon international’s athleticism and ball-carrying.

The 22-year-old would add much-needed legs to United’s technically heavy midfield, complementing the likes of Tielemans and Kobbie Mainoo.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Baleba made it clear to his camp that United were his only dream since last year.

The dynamic Cameroonian even agreed personal terms with the Mancunians at the time. The said terms remain valid for this summer.