‘From what I’m hearing’ – Keith Wyness makes Carlos Baleba transfer prediction
Brighton will have to reevaluate their asking price for midfielder Carlos Baleba following his poor form this season.
That is according to ex-Everton, Aston Villa, and Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who thinks Brighton may not be able to demand £100million for the 21-year-old on his current form.
Baleba is a target for Man United as Ruben Amorim looks to sign a new midfielder at Old Trafford, although the Red Devils could look for a cheaper alternative.
Brighton have lost Baleba to the African Cup of Nations until the new year, but the Cameroon international has yet to contribute a goal or assist this season.
Carlos Baleba’s ‘valuation has dipped’
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – has heard that Baleba may return to form in the second half of the season.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast, Wyness thinks that Baleba is currently valued at up to £80m.
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “Well, Brighton have been the masters. I mean, we just, we know what they’ve done with Chelsea. They’ve made a lot of money out of Chelsea with either managers or players. And I think they’re in no rush to sell. I think they’ll stick out for the price.
“Yes, Baleba’s form has dipped because a lot of people think it’s because of all the transfer speculation. I’m not necessarily convinced myself. I think his valuation has dipped, in my opinion, even though Brighton are very good at negotiation.
“I think I would still see him going maybe in the £75m to £80m mark with some type of add-on or bonuses to get it up to make a headline number of close to £100m. But I do think that that dip in form will affect his valuation. If he comes back into form in the second part of the season, which he could well do, then of course in the summer they’re going to be looking to keep that sort of £100m mark.
“I think there’s room now to negotiate, and I think Brighton would be prepared to move on. They’ve got their replacements in place as Brighton always seem to have. And so I think, yes, I think it’s a chance to make a deal. But they better be quick in January if they’re going to do it, because I think his form may come back from what I’m hearing.”
Brighton set for movement in midfield
Brighton are in the race to sign Norway midfielder Jens Hjerto-Dahl, whose performances have caught the attention of Premier League clubs.
The Seagulls could lose Matt O’Riley on a permanent deal next summer when his loan spell at Marseille expires.
Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest have expressed an interest in Jack Hinshelwood, with the 20-year-old seen as one of the club’s top prospects.