Rio Ferdinand has cast his eye over Manchester United’s approach to land midfielder Carlos Baleba from Brighton despite some accepting that any swoop may prove unrealistic
Rio Ferdinand has said “Who’s a Baleba???” on social media after it emerged that Manchester United had made moves to potentially sign Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba.
The Cameroon star enjoyed a stellar year last season and the Seagulls have no plans to cash in, but that hasn’t stopped the Red Devils trying to see whether it would be possible to do a deal.
Ferdinand’s tweet appears to be a play on words of the phrase “who’s a believer” as the Manchester outfit attempt to secure another major deal this summer. Those at Old Trafford are aware the move may be unrealistic, especially if their transfer funds end up being spent on RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, reports the Athletic.
Baleba has three years left on his contract at the Amex but is proving to be one of the Premier League’s best in his position. He is the latest in a long line of players who have joined Brighton as relatively unknown quantities before morphing into a genuine superstar.
United’s current focus is on landing Sesko from RB Leipzig and they have jumped ahead of Newcastle in the transfer race. There is an acceptance though that any move, which could cost more than £70million, will make a swoop for the Brighton star very difficult.
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A striker is currently the priority for Ruben Amorim, who has already bought in Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo for more than £120m. If they can secure a No 9 then a midfielder capable of playing in the number six role is next on their hit list and Baleba would fit that profile.
United’s two midfielders need to be highly energetic and smart off the ball with Amorim’s system leaving them to run the engine room. The likes of Kobbie Mainoo, Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte have played in those roles last term, but the club will look to make improvements if they can.
The Brighton star previously said on all the speculation surrounding him: “If they can help me, I’ll accept that help to push forward and develop. So, I just work to help my team and for myself, to progress for the future. In return, everyone who helps me wants me to go to the highest level. And if there are big clubs who want me, it’s not something that worries me or gets me excited. I just need to work hard and keep a cool head.”
Ferdinand is backing his former side, who finished 15th last term, to make notable improvements and believes either seventh or eighth is on the cards. However he said he admitted: “Revisit this if we get one or two more signings and I might change my answer.”
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