‘i will join Man united on one condition’ – Man Utd target Carlos Baleba’s response to transfer interest spoke volumes

‘i will join Man united on one condition’ – Man Utd target Carlos Baleba’s response to transfer interest spoke volumes

Manchester United are being linked with a move for Brighton star Carlos Baleba, and the Cameroonian has already made his thoughts clear when asked about the growing speculation around him

Manchester United target Carlos Baleba highlighted his elite mentality when dismissing transfer rumours last year.

The Brighton star has attracted interest from a number of top clubs, but rather than getting caught up in all the noise, Baleba has insisted he just wants to get his head down and work hard.

United have splurged well over £100million on attacking talent this summer and are nearing a deal for another forward – Benjamin Sesko – for a fee of around £74m

But they are yet to secure a central midfielder, arguably one of the areas they most need to bolster, especially considering Ruben Amorim’s doubts about Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte, as well as the fact that Casemiro is not getting any younger.

Baleba matches the profile of the midfielder Ineos have been targeting for United, considering his age, skillset, and top-flight experience. Rio Ferdinand told United chiefs to prioritise a move for him over Sesko last month, labelling him as a midfielder who can ‘do it all’.

The 21-year-old has also shown valuable traits, including a strong work ethic and humility during his short time at Brighton. He demonstrated his character last year when quizzed about being linked with a transfer amid rumoured interest from clubs like Liverpool.

When asked about talk of a potential move to other Premier League sides, Baleba emphasised he was not focused on other clubs. Instead, he stated he was eager to keep progressing and even hinted he may not be ready to be a star player at a top club.

“I don’t really think like that: playing for two or three years and then leaving. Me? I just work. In my head it’s all about working and helping my club,” he told Sky Sports.

“In return, everyone who helps me wants me to go to the highest level. And if there are big clubs who want me, it’s not something that worries me or gets me excited. I just need to work hard and keep a cool head.

“I don’t know if I’m going to be the star or the next big thing. For me, being the star is quite a lot. Everyone talking about you, singing your name? That just doesn’t do it for me.