Ruben Amorim has ideal solution for £100m Carlos Baleba transfer thanks to Man Utd decision

Manchester United are at risk of being rebuffed in their effort to land Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, but Ruben Amorim may already have a short-term alternative in his pocket

While Manchester United may not be able to conclude a move for Carlos Baleba this summer, Ruben Amorim has cause for optimism. The Premier League giants have potentially registered interest in the Brighton midfielder too late to do a deal in 2025, but Amorim already has a fit for the same role.

It’s understood United have baulked at Brighton’s valuation of the player, who would reportedly cost more than £100million. But there are signs to suggest their decision to hand Casemiro a contract until 2026 could prove to be a masterstroke.

Baleba, 21, joined the Seagulls from Lille in a £23m deal back in 2023, but the Cameroonian, who has earned huge praise from United icon Roy Keane, enjoyed a breakout campaign last season. That alerted European powerhouses such as United, who may have to wait until next year to launch a realistic approach for the player.

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But the timing may work out perfectly considering Casemiro, who has the option of an additional year in his deal, is likely to part ways with the club in 2026. The Brazilian, who is among the Premier League’s highest earners on £350,000 a week, often occupies a key role at the base of United’s midfield, though there have been concerns around his longevity at 33 years old.

United copped criticism in some quarters for awarding their £60m signing such a long and lucrative deal in the summer of 2022 when he was already 30. The Brazilian has endured some ups and downs during his time in England, though he enjoyed a resurgence last term with 42 appearances in all competitions.

Only 24 of those came in the Premier League, yet Casemiro still managed 83 tackles, four more than Baleba despite him playing 10 games more. The United linchpin’s total tackle rate works out at around 3.5 tackles per game, while Baleba’s is closer to 2.3 per game.

Despite boasting a reputation as one of the best defensive midfielders of his generation, Casemiro has also proved himself a much more rounded threat than many perceive. He took 43 touches in opposition penalty areas during the last Premier League campaign, while Baleba had only 12.

United’s only other option as an established defensive midfield presence is Manuel Ugarte, who joined from PSG in a £50m deal last summer. The Uruguayan was one of the last statement signings made under Erik ten Hag’s regime, however, and hasn’t been the revelation fans were hoping for.

Kobbie Mainoo is the other midfield gem with an important role to play in United’s future, both in the short and long term. However, it appears he’s better-suited to playing in a more advanced role rather than wasting certain attributes sat back.

The powers that be at Old Trafford will be hoping five-time Champions League-winner Casemiro, who turns 34 in February, has at least one more stellar campaign in the tank. It then depends on whether United decide to trigger the one-year extension in his contract next year, or allow him to leave on a free and shed his huge salary from the wage bill.

Brighton appear to have unearthed another rare gem in Baleba, as his supposed nine-figure valuation would suggest. And while this may not be the summer a move to Manchester materialises, the stars might align just right for him to take up Casemiro’s mantle in one year’s time.

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