Manchester United’s recruitment team remain intent on making a statement signing this summer as they now look to prioritise midfield reinforcements.
With over £200million already invested in the forward line under Ruben Amorim, the focus has shifted to securing a player capable of transforming the team’s engine room.
The club’s hierarchy involving Christopher Vivell and Jason Wilcox, have been studying profiles that combine immediate impact with long-term value.
That search has led them to Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, whose combination of physicality, composure, and progression play is seen as a rare find in the market.
United have already seen a bid rejected for the supreme talent, but Baleba has since received contact from several United players.
And now, Dean Jones reports, United are prepared to ‘blow the budget’ to land the 21-year-old – and are even willing to deal with the financial consequences later.
Conversations have taken place this week to determine what it would take to get a deal done, with Brighton intent on receiving more than £100 million.
While United accept such a fee would stretch their budget, there is growing temptation to push forward given Baleba’s willingness to join and the belief in his long-term value.
Recruitment staff see him as a season-defining signing, capable of elevating the midfield in a way few other targets could.
Jones states that sources close to the club see the plan as genuine, with momentum building to the point that a fresh approach could come before the weekend.
Brighton are expected to hold firm in negotiations, with their handling of Moises Caicedo’s sale to Chelsea serving as a benchmark.
United, meanwhile, know they have time to move players on to balance the books – though the club are also conscious that competition for Baleba in 2025 could be even fiercer.
