After a record summer transfer window approaching 500 million euros, Liverpool continues its push in the transfer market by targeting Carlos Baleba, the young Cameroonian midfielder from Brighton. Valued at around €115 million, Baleba has long attracted interest from Manchester United, but the Reds could win the race thanks to their status as reigning champions and their ability to invest heavily.
The 21-year-old player, known for his technical ease and versatility in midfield, is seen as an ideal target by both Liverpool and Manchester United to strengthen and rejuvenate their central midfield. Liverpool, looking to diversify their squad beyond Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch, sees in Baleba a potential future key player capable of bringing both creativity and defensive intensity.
Brighton, aware of their gem’s value, firmly intends to keep the player under contract until 2028 while leaving the door open for a transfer in summer 2026, when his price could be set based on the previous Caicedo deal (€115 million). Coach Fabian Hurzeler has urged Baleba to remain cautious and hardworking so as not to be destabilized by the media buzz around his future.
While Manchester United plans to renew their interest in 2026, Liverpool could disrupt their plans by making a concrete offer. This battle for Baleba is shaping up to be one of the major stories of upcoming transfer windows, pitting the two English giants in a strategic fight to attract one of the Premier League’s most promising midfielders.