£75m midfielder really wants to join Man Utd

Manchester United’s efforts to secure Premier League glory since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2012/13 have been to no avail – despite spending a small fortune in the transfer window.

The Red Devils have now gone 13 years without a top-division title, often having to sit and watch rivals Manchester City and Liverpool secure all of the glory.

Michael Carrick is the latest boss to try his luck at Old Trafford, after being appointed permanent manager on a two-year deal after a successful temporary stint.

Like many of his predecessors, the 44-year-old may require funds from the hierarchy to back him in his quest and mount a push for a title battle during 2026/27.

Big-money moves are expected during the upcoming window, with the central midfield department an area of the squad in desperate need of reinforcements.

£80m star now wants to join Man Utd this summer

After Casemiro’s departure and Manuel Ugarte’s availability for transfer this summer, United are in need of added quality and depth at the heart of the side.

Brazilian midfielder Ederson appears to be the Red Devils’ first signing of the summer window, after a £40m deal was reached with Atalanta for his signature.

The player has also agreed personal terms with Carrick’s men, but a deal may not be announced until after the World Cup after the 26-year-old’s late call-up.

Despite agreeing a deal for one midfielder, United appear to be continuing their efforts to bolster the side, as Brighton & Hove Albion star Carlos Baleba has once again been linked with a move.

According to The Sun, Carrick’s side are considering a move to land the Cameroonian midfielder, after previously wanting to land the 22-year-old less than 12 months ago.

The report states that he would ‘jump at the opportunity’ to move to Old Trafford as the player wants a move to take his career to the next level in the months ahead.

Baleba could be available for a figure in the region of £75m according to prior reports, which also revealed that the player has had personal terms in place with the Red Devils since the summer of 2025.

Why Baleba would be better than Ederson for Man Utd

After agreeing a deal to sign Ederson this summer, United fans will no doubt be getting excited about the possibility of what is to come under Carrick in 2026/27.

The Brazilian has established himself as a superb box-to-box option in Serie A, with his skillset undoubtedly providing an immediate replacement for Casemiro.

The 26-year-old netted three times across all competitions during the recent campaign, highlighting his ability to provide the goods within attacking areas.

However, Kobbie Mainoo will no doubt be one of the first names on the teamsheet next term, which highlights the need for a deep-lying and combative addition.

As a result, a deal for Baleba this summer could be a distinct possibility, with the Cameroonian arguably the perfect player to sit in front of the backline and act as a ball-winner for the Red Devils.

His stats from the recent campaign in the Premier League highlight his quality in such an area – with any move potentially making him a better addition than Ederson.

The Brighton star made a staggering 2.1 tackles and 1.7 interceptions per 90, leading to one tactical analyst dubbing the 22-year-old’s ball-winning ability as “phenomenal.”

Both of the aforementioned tallies rank him in the top 15% of all midfielders in the division – with soon-to-be United star Ederson also unable to match such numbers.

Baleba also managed to make 11.3 defensive contributions per 90 this season, further highlighting his impressive ability to disrupt the opposition’s attacking flow.

His tally of 5.5 ground duels won per 90 also showcases his physical nature, with the Cameroonian a player who loves to push the opponent off the ball with ease.

All the aforementioned numbers from the most recent campaign demonstrate his skillset, which could make him the perfect addition for Carrick’s men this window.

A partnership of Mainoo and Baleba at the heart of the side has all the ingredients of a world-class partnership – which could thrive for many years to come given their tender ages.

Splashing £80m on the Seagulls talent would be a huge statement of intent, but it’s one that could fill a massive void at the heart of the Red Devils side for the immediate and long-term future.

Ederson’s move will no doubt hand the depth needed for future success, but there’s little denying Baleba is a level above and a player who can provide the difference in the United ranks.