Carlos Baleba to Liverpool: O’Rourke drops verdict on ‘record-breaking deal’
Liverpool are keeping tabs on Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba as a potential summer transfer target, sources have told Football Insider.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed that current Premier League leaders are “fully aware” of Baleba’s ability on and off the ball.
The 21-year-old has become a key man in the Brighton squad as he brings a lot of positive physical attributes that make him hard to get past.
On top of that, the midfielder is seen as a player with a good range of passing while also having the ability to carry the ball forward and drive the team further up the pitch.
Industry insider Mick Brown has revealed to Football Insider that Baleba has emerged as the top target for Liverpool.
It is going to take a hefty see to try and pull him away from the Seagulls, but it is said that isn’t deterring Liverpool.
Liverpool want to make up for a previous transfer mistake
Signing a traditional defensive midfielder has been high on Arne lot’s list of priorities since he joined the club, with Martin Zubimendi initially being his prime target.
The Premier League giants attempted to sign him during the summer transfer window and had a fee agreed, only for the player himself to change his mind at the last minute.
That is why Slot is still pushing to recruit in this area of the pitch as he sees it as a priority for the squad.
Chelsea will provide competition for Liverpool
Liverpool are not the only top Premier League side interested in Baleba as Chelsea are also monitoring his progress and have a history of signing players from Brighton.
The Reds have also negotiated successfully with Brighton in the past by signing Alexis McAllister, and the Seagulls are willing to sell players for the right price.
| Club stats 2024-25 (all competitions) | Baleba |
| Appearances | 27 |
| Goals | 3 |
| Assits | 2 |
| Minutes played | 2,104 |
However, with Baleba under contract until 2028 it is Brighton in the driving seat for this transfer and they will drive the price up.
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