Manchester United Eyeing A Move For This 22 Year Old Premier League Ace: Should The Red Devils Snap Him Up? | OneFootball

In a recent report, Fichajes mentioned that Manchester United are eyeing a move for Brighton and Hove Albion star Carlos Baleba. It has been stated that the Red Devils have identified the Cameroonian talent as a transfer target for this year.

Baleba’s Impressive Rise In The Premier League

Baleba has enjoyed a solid campaign at the English club as he has put in a string of impressive displays for them at the centre of the park. The 22-year-old has featured in 19 matches for the Seagulls this season on all fronts.

The Cameroonian talent has anchored the midfield well and deserves credit for making 18 tackles, nine blocks, 15 interceptions and 18 clearances in the Premier League. He has distributed the ball accurately from midfield based on his pass success rate of 85.3% in the top tier of English football (stats via fbref.com).

His current contract at Brighton will expire in the summer of 2028, which could make it tough for the Red Devils to sign him on a cut-price deal this year.

BRIGHTON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 07: Carlos Baleba of Brighton & Hove Albion controls the ball during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and West Ham United at Amex Stadium on December 07, 2025 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)

Should Manchester United Snap Baleba Up?

Baleba loves a tackle and can time his challenges well to secure the ball back for his team inside his half. He usually puts his foot through the ball when required and is an accurate passer as well.

However, the Cameroonian midfielder needs to find a way to add more goals and assists to his game. Baleba is primarily a holding midfielder but can also function as a box-to-box midfielder if asked to do so. He is already quite experienced in the Premier League and won’t take much time to adjust to life at Man United.

Baleba would no doubt bring more bite and steel to the Mancunian outfit’s midfield. He has what it takes to nail down a regular starting place at Old Trafford. Plus, Baleba could even serve as an ideal long-term successor to Casemiro at the Mancunian club.

At 22, Baleba has got his peak years ahead of him, which makes him a decent choice for the Red Devils to consider this January or at the end of this campaign. Therefore, Man United would be wise to try everything in his power to snap him up this year.