The Rise and Market Valuation
Carlos Baleba arrived at Brighton from Lille in summer 2023 for around €27 million, quickly establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s most exciting young midfielders. In just his second season:
– He made 36 appearances across all competitions, scoring 4 goals and providing 2 assists.
– In the Premier League alone, he featured 34 times, netting 3 goals and laying on 1 assist.
– Brighton have slapped a £100 million–£120 million valuation on him and insist he’s not for sale this summer, with his contract running until 2028 (plus a one-year option).
Style of Play and Key Attributes
Physical and Technical Profile
– Endless engine: Covers every blade of grass, pressing opponents relentlessly and recovering possession in the attacking half.
– Ball carrier: Moves the ball forward with powerful dribbles, breaking opposition lines and drawing fouls.
– Press-resistant: Calm under pressure, he can absorb high-press traps and release the ball quickly to more creative teammates.
– Defensive tenacity: Excellent in tackles and interceptions; wins key duels thanks to his strength and timing.
– Box-to-box threat: Makes late runs into the penalty area, chipping in with goals and linking up play in transition.
Tactical Fit
– Dynamic pivot: Equally adept as a single “number 6” shielding the back four or as one half of a double pivot.
– Engine for Ruben Amorim: Amorim has cited Baleba’s “intensity” as the perfect match for his high-tempo, pressing system.
– Balance of destroyer and creator: Marries defensive grit with the vision to spark counters and feed the front three.
United’s Pursuit and Fan Excitement
Manchester United have made informal enquiries through intermediaries, viewing Baleba as the midfield spark to revive their engine room after a disappointing campaign. But Brighton remain steadfast—no formal bids have been accepted, and the Seagulls aren’t under pressure to sell this summer.
On social media, United supporters have ridden the wave of optimism. One dedicated fan even launched a **GoFundMe campaign**, rallying thousands of pounds in hours to bolster United’s transfer kitty and help land Baleba. That outpouring underlines just how hungry Old Trafford’s fanbase is for a marquee midfield signing.
