Manchester United are searching for a long term replacement of Brazilian midfielder Casemiro.
The iconic midfielder is set to leave the club at the end of the season having impressed during his spell at Old Trafford.
However, his time in the Premier League is now coming to an end and the deep search has started to replace him at the club.
Carlos Baleba of Brighton is one of the names on Man United’s radar to replace Casemiro, having held long term interest in the young midfielder, sources close to the agents industry have informed CaughtOffside.
The 22-year-old Cameroonian midfielder has enjoyed a strong campaign, establishing himself as a key figure in Brighton’s system.
After high-profile sales like Moisés Caicedo in recent years, the Seagulls are once again preparing for a potentially huge transfer, with Baleba now attracting serious interest from across Europe.
Baleba is high in demand among Premier League elites
Baleba’s rise this season has been impressive. Featuring in 28 Premier League matches, he has showcased the kind of consistency and composure that top clubs look for in a defensive midfielder.
His 86% passing accuracy highlights his reliability in possession, while his ability to break up play and shield the defense has made him one of Brighton’s most important players.
What stands out most is his balance. Baleba isn’t just a defensive presence, he’s also capable of progressing the ball forward and supporting attacking transitions.
That combination of physical strength and technical quality has drawn comparisons to elite holding midfielders, which explains why clubs are lining up to secure his signature.
Man United are leading the race for Baleba
Man United are believed to be leading the race. The club has been searching for a long-term midfield solution, especially with Casemiro leaving.
United view Baleba as a potential cornerstone of their rebuild, a player who can anchor the midfield for years to come. There is also talk that the player himself is open to the move, with interest dating back to last summer.
The management team at Red Devils see Baleba as the ‘new Casemiro’.
Brighton, however, are known for their tough negotiating stance. While earlier reports suggested a €100 million valuation, more recent updates indicate the club could consider offers in the €75-80 million range.
Even so, they are unlikely to accept anything significantly below that figure, given Baleba’s importance and long-term potential.
Other clubs are also monitoring the situation. Arsenal and Chelsea have both shown interest in the past, while scouts from Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich have followed his progress closely.
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