Man City join Man Utd in transfer race to sign £104m Premier League midfielder | Football

Manchester City have reportedly joined Manchester United in a transfer race to sign £104m Premier League star Carlos Baleba from Brighton.

It emerged on Wednesday that United had ‘made contact’ with Brighton via intermediaries to explore the conditions of a move for the midfielder.

United are keen to recruit a new No.6 – and have made Baleba one of their main targets.

It was initially thought Brighton wanted £90m plus £10m in add-ons for Baleba – but ESPN claim that the Seagulls are demanding €120m (£104m).

The outlet adds that City are very much interested in signing Baleba, with Pep Guardiola reported to be long-term admirer of the Cameroonian.

What is Brighton’s stance on Carlos Baleba?

Brighton are believed to want to keep Baleba at the Amex for at least another year and do not intend to offload the 21-year-old this summer.

United do not currently have the funds to sign Baleba, who they value at around £70m despite Brighton’s £104m price tag.

But the potential sales of Alejandro Garnacho, Antony and Jadon Sancho could see United make an approach before the current window closes.

What is Carlos Baleba’s stance on a move?

ESPN have reported that Baleba is happy to stay with Brighton for the 2025-25 season, with a move considered more likely next summer.

Baleba is under contract with the south coast club until 2028 with an option to extend by 12 months.

The Seagulls star has made 77 appearances for Brighton to date since his £26m move from Lille in 2023.

Baleba was named Brighton’s Young Player of the Season last term after a number of impressive performances.

According to football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, United believe agreeing personal terms with Baleba terms won’t be an issue.

Baleba could become the latest Brighton player to secure a move to one of the Premier League’s ‘big six’ clubs.

Moises Caicedo, Marc Cucurella and Joao Pedro all left Brighton to sign for Chelsea in recent seasons.

Ben White, meanwhile, went to Arsenal, while Tottenham recruited Yves Bissouma and Alexis Mac Allister was snapped up by Liverpool.

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