Manchester United are now full steam ahead this summer in efforts to sign a new midfielder and Carlos Baleba is the favoured option.
After bringing an entirely new front three to the Theatre of Dreams this summer, Manchester United have a mobile defensive midfielder next on the list.
This has become evidently the weakest point of the team during pre-season, with Manuel Ugarte concerning United fans, as his ball carrying and passing leads to turnovers far too often.
Ruben Amorim has made his demand for a new midfielder clear this summer, with an athletic midfielder specifically needed to tie the whole system together.
United identified Carlos Baleba as the best option on the market, and amongst the fanbase, this is unanimously agreed, with the Brighton midfielder seen as the next best defensive midfielder in the league.
As a result United are currently mulling over a move for Baleba, which would almost certainly break the club’s record transfer, Paul Pogba who cost £89m.
Baleba is seen as a superb talent, but not everyone is convinced on the Cameroon international.
Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty ImagesRoy Keane not convinced on Manchester United signing Carlos Baleba
The signing of Baleba could cost United anywhere between £100m and £120m this summer, with the Seagulls yet to name their price, although reliable reports suggest £112m will be the fee.
This is a lot of money, which could absolutely be worthwhile if Baleba’s progression goes as expected, however Roy Keane has taken the opposing stance to most, arguing he’s not seen enough from the Brighton star yet.
Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast with Gary Neville, Keane outlined his worries around Baleba.
“I’d be surprised if it happened. Because I still think that kid, he’s got to do a bit more.
“You’re talking about £100m, but I still think it’s potential with a lot of these players. You can’t pay £100m for a player where you don’t know which way he’s going to go.”
This is the kind of sensible head verdict which Keane is known for, not being swayed by popular belief and in many ways he is probably correct.
Baleba isn’t a £100m player right now, but the idea is that he more than likely will become one over the next 12 months, by which stage £100m could actually look cheap.
Despite being young, Baleba is perfect for Amorim and if he arrives and develops as planned, he could be one of the best in the world by this time next year.
Rio Ferdinand tempers Carlos Baleba expectations
One big believer in Baleba is Rio Ferdinand.
Ferdinand spoke about Baleba suiting United prior to any real links emerging, and has been making a case for him all summer. But even Ferdinand has now admitted that expectations on Baleba shouldn’t be too high.
“Baleba, he’s a young kid and a wonderful talent. He’s a huge talent with a high ceiling and what I would say is [we need to] manage the expectations on someone like him if he does come in”, Ferdinand said on his YouTube channel.
“Because by no means am I saying that if you buy him he is the absolute answer and he is the key to everything being unlocked, I am not saying that.
“He’s a young kid and he will need to develop, he will need to be integrated into the squad and the system. Different requirements and different pressure, all these things come into it when you sign for Manchester United.
“What I will say he is something different to everything we have got there and that difference he has what is needed to push this side on.”