Manchester United could be looking to sign Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleva, with Brighton reportedly preparing a potential replacement for the 21-year-old. The Cameroon international was linked with a move to Old Trafford last summer as a key target to strengthen the club’s midfield.
However, there were no offers for Baleva, with United instead focusing on strengthening their forward line and goalkeeping department. This leaves the midfield revamp postponed until a future transfer window, with players such as Adam Wharton and Elliott Anderson mentioned as possible targets.
Baleva remains a United target in the coming months, but it is unclear whether United will make an offer that would meet Brighton’s valuation of around £100m The chances of Baleva being signed could be increased by Brighton’s own transfer activity.
According to the Telegraph, Brighton are interested in Aston Villa’s Lamarre Bogarde as a possible replacement for Baleva. The 21-year-old is worth more than £25m and has broken into Unai Emery’s first team despite intense competition for his place.
Lamarre Bogarde, the nephew of former Chelsea and Barcelona player Winston Bogarde, is forging his own path in football.
If Brighton were to pursue the Villa midfielder, it would create a domino effect and increase the chances of them parting ways with Baleva in the near future.
Reflecting current market rates for a young number six who can disrupt play and control games, he could carry a price tag of over £100m.
The development could be timely for United, especially given Casemiro’s contract expires in 2026 and the uncertainty surrounding the futures of Coby Mainu and Manuel Ugarte.
Valeva may be seen as a long-term solution for the position, but Paul Scholes has balked. He told Sky Sports: “Baleba is very young, but everyone is quite young, right? But Baleva is very young. In terms of quality, has he reached a considerable level? I think he has almost reached the type of Caicedo.”
“He’s done very well for Chelsea, don’t get me wrong, but is he the type of player Manchester United need? I’m not sure. Adam Wharton is a really good player, but can he move around the pitch? Old Trafford is a big pitch so you need some physicality.”
“I would say the one that surprised me most was Elliott Anderson, who I would say has fallen out of England form. I really liked him at Newcastle, but I thought he was more of an attacking player, but he came in as a No. 8 for England and looked very complete.
“I think it will probably go to Wharton. I don’t think they are Manchester United style midfield players yet. They are the style of football these days. But I think Wharton has a little more quality. It’s hard to say. I think he has more quality than Valeva.”
