Manchester United fans spotted Rio Ferdinand’s telling reaction after the Red Devils had ‘made contact’ with Brighton for highly rated Cameroon midfielder Carlos Baleba.
Manchester United are in the market for a defensive midfielder and the Red Devils are keen to bring a new option to Old Trafford for manager Ruben Amorim.
The Red Devils have been linked with several different names this summer, including Sporting CP captain Morten Hjulmand and Atalanta defensive midfielder Ederson.
However, it now appears that United have added Carlos Baleba to their list of potential names and the Red Devils are set to pursue the Brighton talent.
David Ornstein on Wednesday reported for The Athletic that United’s interest in Baleba had intensified and they have explored the ‘conditions’ for a potential deal.
It is believed that Brighton ‘do not intend’ to sell the 21-year-old Cameroonian midfielder this summer, but the Seagulls now face ‘building’ interest in Baleba.
What did Rio Ferdinand say after Man Utd’s initial transfer contact with Brighton for midfielder Carlos Baleba?
Carlos Baleba has impressed at Brighton so far after the Cameroon international arrived from Ligue 1 side Lille for an initial transfer fee of €27m in 2023.
The Brighton defensive midfielder is under contract at the Amex until 2028 and the Seagulls are keen to hold on to their prized talent amid the interest around him.
Baleba was brought in as a replacement for midfielder Moises Caicedo after the former Brighton star’s high-profile move to Premier League side Chelsea.
Rio Ferdinand took to social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, and wasted no time dropping an eye-catching reaction to United’s initial transfer interest in Baleba.
The 46-year-old United legend teased Red Devils supporters with a tongue-in-cheek message about his former side wanting to sign Moises Caicedo’s successor.
Responding to Wednesday’s news, Ferdinand simply wrote: “Who’s a Baleba???”
What does Rio Ferdinand’s Carlos Baleba tweet actually mean after Man Utd made contact with Brighton for Moises Caicedo’s heir?
Ferdinand’s tweet speaks volumes about the former United defender’s admiration for Baleba, with the ex-TNT Sports pundit insisting that he would sign him this summer.
Speaking on Rio Ferdinand Presents, he previously said: “You’re probably thinking, ‘Who would you go and get?,’ and there’s only one name I’m thinking about, I’m going to be honest, guys, who I think fits the bill for what we need.
“He’s an Amorim-type player as well. Physically, he’s great. He can drive with the ball, he can take it in all areas, very good tactically, great energy, great legs, Premier League experience, central midfield… [Carlos] Baleba.”
Ferdinand added about Baleba: “That’s who I would go and get, that’s the one I would go and get. I’d go and break the bank.
“If I got the money for the four players that are surplus to requirements now, would I go and get a number nine, or would I go and get Baleba?
“Would I get a number nine I’m not sure about, who is a bit young, inexperienced, or would I get Baleba, who has Premier League experience? I’m going Baleba.
“That’s who I’d get, I think he would have a huge impact on this squad and on this team.”
Baleba has netted four times and picked up two assists in his 77 appearances for Brighton since the Cameroon midfielder signed from French outfit Lille.
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