Carlos Baleba: United’s hopes of landing Brighton ace suffers blow | OneFootball

Manchester United have been trying to solve their midfield issues for a while now.

Casemiro’s resurgence has been praised, but at 33, he no longer has the legs to compete physically in the Premier League.

That can be seen from the fact that he has completed 90 minutes only three times this season, despite the Red Devils playing only once a week.

Surprisingly, Kobbie Mainoo is not seen as a deep-lying playmaker, while Manuel Ugarte has earned the ire of his boss due to his lacklustre displays.

Carlos Baleba was seen as the perfect fit

Ruben Amorim had identified Carlos Baleba of Brighton and Hove Albion as the perfect fit, but a summer deal proved beyond INEOS’ reach due to Brighton’s valuation.

The 21-year-old’s form subsequently fell off a cliff, with plenty of reports suggesting United had moved on to the likes of Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton.

He has 0 goals and assists this term, while at the same stage of last season, the Cameroon international had notched three goals and two assists.

Not to mention he played the full 90 minutes a lot more times than the two games he has managed in the current campaign.

But Amorim remains convinced that the Cameroonian can be the heartbeat of his side, and it was suggested that the 20-time English league champions would revisit their interest come next summer.

However, The Times have claimed that the Seagulls will continue to resist any attempts to sign their midfield dynamo.

Brighton change their stance

In fact, Fabian Hürzeler’s side will not sanction a sale until 2027, which means the three-time Champions League winners will have to look elsewhere for now.

“While United retain interest in Carlos Baleba, it is believed Brighton & Hove Albion’s plan is not to sell the 21-year-old until 2027.”

A whole host of clubs are chasing Anderson, while Wharton will only move to a club which can offer him Champions League football.

Whether INEOS persevere and still go after Carlos Baleba or whether they pivot and opt to sign someone else, only time will tell.

Feature image Mike Hewitt via Getty Images

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