Manchester United Urged To Move In For This Brighton Midfielder: What Will He Bring To Old Trafford? | OneFootball

In a recent segment on Youtube, Rio Ferdinand urged his former club Manchester United to move in for Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba. Ferdinand said,

“If I don’t get a striker, I’d go midfield. There’s only one name I’m thinking about, I’ve got to be honest, who I think fits the bill for what we need…

“An Amorim-type player as well. Physically great, can drive with the ball, can take it in all areas, very good tactically, great energy, great legs, Premier League experience, centre midfield. Baleba.

“That’s who I go and get. That’s my man. That’s the one I go and get. I go and break the bank.”

Baleba’s Recent Season In The Premier League

Baleba managed to shine for the Seagulls in the previous campaign and did well to put in a handful of impressive displays for them at the centre of the park. The Cameroonian frontman played in 40 matches for Brighton last season, scoring four goals and grabbing a couple of assists across multiple competitions.

The 21-year-old was a decent contributor at the centre of the park as he averaged 1.49 shots per 90 minutes in the Premier League. However, he only kept 25% of his attempts on target. Baleba was tidy when distributing possession in the opponent’s half, as evidenced by his pass completion rate of 87.4% in the English first division (stats via fbref.com).

BRIGHTON, ENGLAND – APRIL 12: Carlos Baleba of Brighton and Hove Albion during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion FC and Leicester City FC at Amex Stadium on April 12, 2025 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images)

What Will Baleba Bring To Manchester United?

Baleba is a solid tackler of the ball and can scan the danger well to earn the ball back for his team in the middle of the park. He usually puts his foot through the ball when needed and is a good passer of the ball.

However, the Cameroonian sensation needs to find a way to improve his productivity going forward. Baleba has got some experience in the Premier League under his belt and would be a real asset for the Red Devils if Ruben Amorim can devise a way to snap him up this off-season.

Baleba would bring more bite and steel to Man United‘s midfield department. He would serve as a great long-term successor to Casemiro at the Mancunian club.

Thus, it makes sense for the Red Devils to listen to Ferdinand’s advice by securing Baleba’s services in this summer transfer window.