After one of the worst seasons in their Premier League history, Manchester United are scrambling to rebuild.
And at the heart of their next potential signing? A 21-year-old Brighton midfielder who’s already turning heads across Europe — Carlos Baleba.
United have reportedly begun early talks with Brighton over a deal for the Cameroonian star, which could reach a staggering £100 million.
It’s a hefty price, but for a player with Baleba’s trajectory, ambition, and current form, the Red Devils clearly believe he could be worth every penny.
From Douala Dreams to Premier League Reality
Born and raised in Douala, Cameroon — the same city that produced football legend Samuel Eto’o — Carlos Baleba didn’t just dream of becoming a footballer. He saw it as his destiny.
Football wasn’t something he stumbled into; it was part of his DNA, passed down from his father, Eugene, a former striker who trained Carlos with military precision from the age of 10.
We’re talking two hours of non-stop running followed by explosive drills like flipping onto tyres.
Those acrobatic celebrations you’ve seen after his goals? That’s all thanks to his dad, who believed mastering acrobatics would sharpen his timing and awareness.
A Bold Goal: Winning the Ballon d’Or
For Baleba, it’s not just about breaking into elite clubs — he’s gunning for the top individual honour in world football.
In an interview, he admitted he’s aiming for the Ballon d’Or. Seeing midfielders like Rodri receive global recognition has sparked belief.
“I want to win the Ballon d’Or like Rodri,” he told The Sun. “His success shows players like me that it’s possible.”
And while it may sound lofty, Baleba’s rapid rise — from a Cameroonian academy to being Brighton’s midfield engine — shows that when he sets a goal, he chases it hard.
Early Struggles and Steep Learning Curves
Baleba’s journey to Premier League prominence wasn’t smooth sailing.
After joining Lille in 2022, he spent time in the reserves before finally making his senior debut — replacing none other than Angel Gomes.
That season was crucial for development, but the Premier League presented a whole new challenge.
When Brighton signed him in 2023 as Moises Caicedo’s replacement, the pressure was immense.
Early on, the speed of the English game exposed him. In fact, only one other player — Destiny Udogie — made more errors leading to goals that season.
Even Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi admitted Baleba “wasn’t ready” for the league. But he never gave up.
Turning the Tide Under New Management
Enter Fabian Hürzeler — the manager who breathed new confidence into Baleba.
The German coach told the midfielder to stop overthinking his mistakes and keep playing his natural game.
“He tells me, ‘Don’t worry. Try again.’ That gave me confidence,” Baleba explained.
And the stats show the turnaround. By April, Baleba was the only player in Europe’s top five leagues to hit over 30 each in tackles, interceptions, take-ons, clearances, and aerial duels. That’s not just well-rounded — it’s elite.
United’s Midfield Crisis Makes Baleba the Perfect Fit
With United’s midfield lacking technical control, Baleba’s profile is a tempting fix.
Casemiro and Ugarte may be ball-winners, but their passing under pressure often lets them down — a major issue in Amorim’s possession-based system.
Baleba, on the other hand, has:
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6.4 progressive carries per 90 (5th among PL defensive mids)
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89.53% pass accuracy
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6.58 ball recoveries per game
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2nd in PL for interceptions
In comparison, Ugarte and Mainoo fall short in passing volume and duel success.
Even Casemiro’s passing accuracy trails far behind Baleba’s.
Amorim needs more than just grit — he needs someone who can carry and distribute. That’s exactly where Baleba thrives.
Not Just a Stat Machine — A Long-Range Threat Too
If you needed a reminder that Baleba can decide games, look no further than his goal-of-the-month winner against West Ham.
With the clock ticking down, he picked up the ball from 35 yards out, smashed it with his left foot, and sealed a 3-2 win — then followed it up with a celebratory backflip.
Only three goals this season, sure. But when he scores, it matters.
Leadership, Courage, and That Unteachable Midfield Intuition
It’s not all numbers. Baleba prides himself on qualities that don’t show up in data sheets — bravery, confidence, and the willingness to take risks.
“You need the courage to come out with the ball in risky areas,” he said. “You have to trust yourself and keep it simple.
That’s how you play out from the back without losing it.”
It’s this mentality that’s helped him recover from rocky starts and prove his doubters wrong.
Would United Be a Step Up?
Given Brighton’s trajectory and United’s recent struggles — finishing 15th and losing the Europa League final to Spurs — it’s fair to wonder if Old Trafford is actually a step forward.
Still, the signings of Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, and potentially Benjamin Sesko signal a major rebuild under Amorim.
Baleba could join his national teammates Onana and Mbeumo, as well as former Lille colleague Leny Yoro — and potentially become a cornerstone of United’s revival.
The £100 Million Question
Brighton will only sell if the price is right. Baleba is under contract until 2028, with a possible extension clause, giving the Seagulls full control.
But if United do meet the asking price, the decision will be up to Baleba.
He’ll have to weigh Brighton’s steady progress against the high-pressure cauldron of Manchester United.
But based on everything we’ve seen — his work ethic, talent, and self-belief — he’d back himself to shine under the Stretford lights.
