Carlos Baleba Man United transfer could unleash Bruno Fernandes and two other teammates

Carlos Baleba Man United transfer could unleash Bruno Fernandes and two other teammates

The latest Manchester United transfer news and opinion as the club have been linked with an interest in the Brighton midfielder who has the attributes to make a big difference at Old Trafford.

Carlos Baleba during a Brighton & Hove Albion game (Image: Getty Images Europe)

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim will be looking to get more out of his squad in the upcoming campaign compared to last season. The 2024/25 campaign was one to forget for United.

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The club finished in 15th place in the Premier League table and a defeat in the Europa League Final means that there will be no European football at Old Trafford for the 2025/26 campaign. It was suggested that could impact on the transfer window, with no Europe putting potential targets off moving to Old Trafford.

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United have, however, been able to complete deals for key targets so far this window. Both Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have joined from Wolves and Brentford respectively.

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United are also closing in on the signing of RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko with the club confident that they’ve beaten off competition from Newcastle United.

The additions will add more quality to Amorim’s squad for the upcoming season. There is one other transfer that could make a huge difference to one area of United’s team.

The club have reportedly made contact with Brighton and Hove Albion over a potential move for midfielder Carlos Baleba. The Cameroon international was a key player for the Seagulls last season, playing in the defensive midfield role.

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Brighton are not expected to let him go without a fight, but if United do manage to complete the transfer, then it will not only add more depth to the club’s midfield options, but his inclusion would also be a massive benefit to club captain Bruno Fernandes.

If he signs, Baleba is most likely to replace Manuel Ugarte in the starting XI, meaning he will play alongside Fernandes in the two deeper midfield roles. Baleba’s strength in winning the ball back in the defensive midfield position will take pressure off Fernandes to do so much defensive work, and allow him to get on the ball more and control the game from the base of midfield, something that the club captain should excel at.

But it’s not just Fernandes who will benefit from the arrival of Baleba. The 21-year-old also has a knack of being able to play long balls that break the line of the opposition’s defence.

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That will be a big help to the two attacking midfielders who, more often that not, will be Cunha and Mbeumo.

Knowing that Baleba has the ability to play the balls in behind, both players will have the option of both running in behind as well as coming short for the ball and creating from there. It should therefore, make their movement more unpredictable for defenders and therefore harder to defend against.

As with fernandes, Baleba’s defensive abilities will also benefit both Cunha and Mbeumo with the duo able to go and be creative, knowing that they’ve got the assurance of the midfielder behind them.

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Brighton have build a reputation for being tough negotiators when it comes to selling their players in the transfer window. Some reports suggest that the club will be looking for a fee of more than £100 million for the midfielder now.

Unless there are big sales, that fee is likely to rule United out of the running. However, if the club can get Brighton to soften their stance, then it’s a transfer that will help to reach Amorim’s aim in the new season.

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