‘Looking good’ -Andre Onana reacts to Carlos Baleba’s message after Man United news
Carlos Baleba continues to attract attention from the Premier League’s big-hitters as Brighton prepare for the new season.
The Cameroon international has been a revelation on the south coast since his arrival from Lille in 2023, and scored his first three Premier League goals across 34 appearances for the Seagulls last season.
Fabian Hurzeler‘s side have spent almost £70million on new players so far this summer but are yet to strengthen in central midfield, despite long-standing interest in Baleba from Man United and Liverpool.
Man United’s former chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider back in April that Liverpool won’t be willing to spend the £100m they’ve been quoted on Baleba this summer, as Brighton stand their ground.
Brighton had put a £100m price tag on Joao Pedro alongside Baleba ahead of this summer, but accepted a £60m bid from Chelsea for the Brazilian and it remains to be seen if they’ll also renege on the latter.
Baleba ‘looking good’ amid summer of change at Brighton
Pedro’s departure from the Amex Stadium has been followed up by Simon Adingra’s move to Sunderland after their promotion back to the top-flight, with Tom Watson heading to Brighton earlier this summer.
Baleba’s future remains subject to speculation as Liverpool weigh up a move, but the 21-year-old is fully focused on his task with Brighton and posted on Instagram (22 July) from their training ground in Spain.
In a message liked by his international team-mate and exit-linked Man United goalkeeper Andre Onana, Baleba tagged both Yankuba Minteh and Georginio Rutter to say: “Pre-season, pre-cooking in the heat and summer on this side looking good”.
Brighton well placed to retain Baleba despite transfer links
Football Insider Verdict
Baleba has shown no indication that he wants to leave Brighton this summer, and with the Seagulls in no mood to renege on their £100m valuation, it’s unlikely that any interested club will match that figure.
Pervis Estupinan does look set to leave Brighton this summer after also being a target for Man United, but the Ecuador left-back is instead bound for AC Milan in another sale to aid the Seagulls’ PSR position.
Man United were in need of a new goalkeeper before Onana picked up a hamstring injury, and while it’ll be difficult for the Red Devils to move on their number one, it’ll be even harder for themselves or Liverpool to pry Baleba out of Brighton.