Manchester United are interested in a move for Brighton sensation Carlos Baleba, but they may have to wait until 2026 to get their man – although that wouldn’t be a disaster for Ruben Amorim
Carlos Baleba may not join Manchester United this summer, but the Red Devils already have a solution in his position(Image: IAN HODGSON, AFP via Getty Images)
While a summer move for Carlos Baleba may prove too tricky for Manchester United, there’s reason for Ruben Amorim not to panic. The Premier League powerhouse’s interest in the Brighton midfielder may have come too late for a 2025 deal, but the Red Devils boss already has a suitable stop-gap.
Brighton value Baleba at more than £100million, meaning United may ultimately have to put off pursuing him this summer. But that’s where the club’s – at the time – controversial decision to hand Casemiro, now 33, a four-year contract back in 2022 could ultimately prove to have been a shrewd move.
The Mirror report how the timing could be just right for United as Casemiro, who does also have an option for an additional year in his contract, is expected to leave the club in 2026. The Brazilian is one of the Premier League’s top earners on £350,000 per week, but there are concerns about how much longer he can maintain his levels.
United faced backlash for offering their £60m signing a lengthy and lucrative contract in the summer of 2022 when he was already 30. The Brazilian has experienced a rollercoaster journey during his stint in England, although he saw a revival last season with 42 appearances across all competitions.
Only 24 of those were in the Premier League, yet Casemiro still managed to make 83 tackles, four more than Baleba despite playing 10 fewer matches. The United stalwart’s total tackle rate averages at about 3.5 tackles per match, while Baleba’s is closer to 2.3 per match.
Despite being renowned as one of the top defensive midfielders of his era, Casemiro has also demonstrated himself to be a more versatile threat than many believe. He made 43 touches in opposition penalty areas during the last Premier League season, while Baleba only had 12.
Casemiro is entering the final year of his contract at United, who have the option of extending his stay by one year(Image: Oli Scarff/AFP via Getty Images.)
Baleba, 21, made the switch to England’s south coast from Lille in a £23.2m deal back in 2023 and has earned attention from some of Europe’s elite after a standout 2024/25 campaign. But a realistic bid from United for the Cameroonian, who has received high praise from United legend Roy Keane, may have to wait until next year. And Casemiro has proven he still has some miles left in the tank to do a job for another season.
United’s sole alternative in an established defensive midfield role is Manuel Ugarte, who joined from PSG in a £50m deal last summer. The Uruguayan was one of the final marquee signings under Erik ten Hag‘s tenure, however, and hasn’t quite lived up to fans’ expectations yet.
Baleba averaged around 2.3 tackles per game in the Premier League last term, at least one fewer than Casemiro(Image: Getty Images)
Kobbie Mainoo is another midfield talent with a crucial part to play in United’s future, both in the short and long-term. However, it seems he’s better suited to a more advanced role rather than wasting certain talents sitting deep.
The top brass at Old Trafford will be banking on five-time Champions League-winner Casemiro, who celebrates his 34th birthday in February, to deliver at least one more outstanding season. Much will depend on whether United opt to activate the one-year extension in his contract next year or let him depart for free, thus removing his massive wages from their payroll.
Brighton look to have discovered another exceptional talent in Baleba, as indicated by his rumoured nine-figure price tag. While a move to Manchester may not be on the cards this summer, the stars could align perfectly for him to step into Casemiro’s shoes in one year’s time.
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