Manchester United are moving on to new transfer targets after wrapping up a highly anticipated deal for Bryan Mbeumo.
A six-week transfer saga ended with Manchester United signing Bryan Mbeumo for £65m, with the 25-year-old signing just in time to board the flight to the pre-season tour of the United States.
Reports suggest United want three more signings, with Ineos on the lookout for a new goalkeeper, striker and central midfielder.
United started their pre-season with a 0-0 draw against Leeds United and head coach Ruben Amorim spotted a “lack of pace” in midfield.
Amorim wants to sign an “athletic” midfielder to cover his side’s flaws, and fans believe they know which player should be the priority target.
Fans want Man United to sign Carlos Baleba
So far this summer, Amorim has recruited from the Premier League to make sure he is adding experienced and physically capable players to his squad.
That looks set to continue as United search for a new striker and midfielder, and fans want Ineos to turn their attention to Brighton’s Carlos Baleba.
The 21-year-old has impressed with the Seagulls, and supporters on social media are desperate to see Mbeumo’s Cameroon teammate join him at Old Trafford.
“This kid is a gem. Let’s attempt Brighton with £55M+£10M in add ons,” one fan wrote on X.
One fan wrote: “He is my Man Utd dream signing”.
Another added: “Quicker than most wingers. Strong as any centerback. One man midfield.”
Amorim has faced plenty of scrutiny over his 3-4-2-1 system, and one fan believes Baleba would be a perfect fit – “The only player that can make a two-man midfield work.”
Others continued to label Baleba as a “dream signing”.
Finally, one fan made the message to Ineos blindingly clear, writing: “Absolutely need this player”.
How much Carlos Baleba would cost Man United this summer
Ineos making a move for Baleba isn’t outside the realms of possibility. After all, United were monitoring Baleba in 2023 before he made his £23m move to Brighton.
However, his value has soared after making the move to the Premier League and thriving in Fabian Hurzeler’s side.
Now it is reported that Baleba’s asking price is £100 million this summer, making it an incredibly difficult deal for United to pull off.
Having already spent over £130 million on the likes of Matheus Cunha, Mbeumo and Diego Leon, Ineos are already operating on a fairly tight budget.
Brighton could be encouraged to drop their asking price, but Baleba has a contract valid until 2028, meaning the South Coast side are under no pressure to sell.
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