Manchester United’s chances of signing Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba may have improved, as Brighton are reportedly lining up a potential replacement for the 21-year-old. The Cameroonian international was linked with a move to Old Trafford last summer as a key target to strengthen their midfield.
However, no offer was made for Baleba, with United instead focusing on bolstering their forward line and goalkeeping department. This has delayed a revamp of the midfield until future transfer windows, with players such as Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson mentioned as possible targets.
Baleba remains a target for United in the upcoming months, but it is unclear if United will make an offer that would meet Brighton’s valuation of around £100m Their chances of securing Baleba could be boosted by Brighton’s own transfer activities.
According to The Telegraph, Brighton are interested in Aston Villa’s Lamare Bogarde as a potential replacement for Baleba. The 21-year-old is valued at over £25m and has broken into the first team under Unai Emery, despite stiff competition for places.
Lamare Bogarde, nephew of former Chelsea and Barcelona player Winston Bogarde, is carving out his own footballing path.
Brighton’s potential pursuit of the Villa midfielder could trigger a domino effect, making them more amenable to parting ways with Baleba in the near future.
He could command a price tag north of £100m, reflecting the current market rates for a young number six capable of disrupting play and controlling the game.
This development could be timely for United, especially with Casemiro’s contract due to expire in 2026 and uncertainty surrounding the futures of Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte.
While Baleba might be seen as a long-term solution for that position, Paul Scholes expressed reservations. He told Sky Sports: “Baleba is very young, but they’re all quite young, aren’t they? But Baleba is very young. Quality-wise, is he quite there? I think he’s almost in a Caicedo type of way.
“He’s done really well at Chelsea, don’t get me wrong, but is that the type of player Manchester United need? I’m not sure. Adam Wharton is a really good player, but can he get around the pitch. Old Trafford is a big pitch, you need to have some physicality.
“I’d say going off the England form, which has surprised me more than anything, but Elliot Anderson. I really liked him at Newcastle but thought he was more of an attacking player, but he’s come into as a No.8 for England and looked very accomplished.
“I’d probably say I’d go Wharton. I still don’t think they’re any of the Manchester United style midfield players, they’re more the style of football these days. I just think Wharton’s got a little bit more quality. That’s tough saying that. I think he’s got more quality than Baleba.”