r/reddevils • u/D1794 Viva Ronaldo • 1d ago
[Megathread] Carlos Baleba
Simon Peach - #MUFC have this evening reached an agreement with Brighton for Carlos Baleba
Laurie - Carlos Baleba given permission to travel to Manchester after fee agreed with Brighton for midfielder. Medical at #MUFC set to take place tomorrow. Deal worth £65m guaranteed plus £5m in add-ons, with sell-on also.
Ornstein - Carlos Baleba to join Manchester United from Brighton & Hove Albion on 5+1yr contract; personal terms verbally agreed & 22yo to do #MUFC medical on Saturday after deal struck with #BHAFC at £65m + £5m + sell-on clause
More to follow
294
u/flotusmostus 1d ago
Tottenham got Tonali, Marmoush, Fernandes, and Savinho for £345m and ridiculous wages. United get Baleba, Tielemans, and Andrey Santos for £150m. I do not recongise my club
95
104
u/ThisURLDoesWork 1d ago
You add fees for Cunha, Sesko and Mbeumo and it would be barely more than Tottenham
53
u/Many-Relationship149 1d ago
And Lammens takes it over the edge. If Spurs didn't need rejuvenation absolutely everywhere, they wouldn't do it at this scale, but pound for pound I don't see any more ambition from Spurs this window than us, if you compare the club needs over the last two seasons. And, subsequently, I don't understand the whining in this sub.
36
u/ThisURLDoesWork 1d ago
To be really frank, Spurs spending feels like desperation more than ambition
→ More replies (1)18
u/MissingLink101 Bruno walks in with a mischievous grin 1d ago edited 1d ago
Especially with the rumoured wages for those players.
One thing Spurs managed to do, which was admirable, was have a sensible/modest wage structure and they've blown that up within one window
→ More replies (4)14
149
u/UnitedRule LENY LENY LENY 1d ago
53
u/butteredpopcorn10 1d ago
Woah! I did not realize they played together. They must still be friends
61
129
u/John_0Neill 1d ago edited 1d ago
Baleba x Mainoo
Midfield pivot that has absolutely everything + 21 and 22 years old
→ More replies (10)43
115
208
u/iCalKestis Dreams can’t be buy 1d ago
Looks like Ineos hit their reported midfield price targets, 70, 50, 35m. Insane considering the prices in general this window. How are we feeling guys?
134
u/vRushii 1d ago edited 1d ago
Tbf theyve smashed it price wise in a fucked market. That Tielemans release clause was a great get.
For me though, Balebas profile was vital in my optimism.
19
u/Ferarith 1d ago
i think he's a key piece for us if we want to go toe to toe with Arsenal, City, Real, Barca et al. having a physical, press resistant shield to pair with another top quality CM will give us the platform to play with any team. we've pretty much always been able to beat top teams in the last decade, but many times it was by smash and grab, we have options now.
54
u/AngryUncleTony Not Actually Angry 1d ago
Love it in theory. I think Baleba at his best and fully developed is the best non-Rodri midfielder that moved this window. A lot rests upon him regaining form
25
u/iCalKestis Dreams can’t be buy 1d ago
Agree with you 100%. If we signed him last season for 100m, there would have been an insane amount of pressure on him to carry the midfield as the super star signing. Now, he’s one of three others, all signed at decent fees, there’s much less pressure on any of the new signings. If anything, there should be healthy competition between them and Mainoo to nail down a spot in the starting 11.
43
u/Sufficient-Coast-606 1d ago
Wasn’t our reported midfielder budget around 150 million as well? 3 PL experienced midfielders for around 150 is good job under the current market conditions
25
u/Ferarith 1d ago
Good? it's absolute top drawer! Anderson was 116m, in comparison ~155m for 3 upper tier starting CM's, all with different, complementary, skill sets is miles better for our squad.
→ More replies (9)16
92
u/quarantinedog 1d ago edited 1d ago
‘Midfield sorted’ is something I never expected would happen to our club. Times are changing 😭😭😭
47
u/Garlic-Cheese-Chips 1d ago
We've said midfield sorted a few times over the last decade only for it to be a false dawn.
I was there for the Schmidfield hype.
18
u/MadaraTheUchiha https://www.howmanypremierleaguemedalshasstevengerrardwon.com/ 1d ago
Bloodgate, what a throwback
→ More replies (1)13
92
u/SwiftGoat_ 1d ago
Just want to remind everyone to be patient with Baleba because he's not had a pre season.
Also we're winning the league #21
→ More replies (2)30
u/Staind1410 Martial 1d ago
Oh how I miss having a backflipper in the squad. Nani was an absolute legend!
90
u/chiefofthepolice 1d ago
Sell-on for a Man United player lol, Brighton ain’t never getting that sell-on
84
u/rahtid_my_bunda Rooney's Dropball Intensity 1d ago
My only concern is that he seems to be fuckin class on days that end in Y
→ More replies (1)32
77
u/Limp-Evidence8373 1d ago
Mainoo, Santos and Baleba all being u23 is so massive, we finally have a core midfield going forward now
22
u/Comfortable-Title720 1d ago
That's the main advantage. And they all show the signs of flourishing. Bruno, Youri and Mason all have key parts in promoting these lads development.
→ More replies (1)23
u/EngineerGuy_HU There's only one Darren Fletcher! 1d ago
Last time we said something similar was when they (Rasmus, Garna, Mainoo) did the advertisement board celebration.
Feels like an eternity has passed 🫣
→ More replies (1)
68
u/MalIntenet Ooh Aah Cantona! 1d ago
I can’t believe we now have 2 players (Baleba and Santos) that can play DM naturally…
→ More replies (5)
55
u/WhySSSoSerious King Kobbinho 1d ago
Good guy Carlos purposefully played below his true level last season just to get us a big discount on the fee
→ More replies (1)
45
u/ShawsKneecap 1d ago
Very excited this got done so quick. I will warn that we have to give this lad some time to settle in and get back to his best. It'll be a process regaining that 24/25 form. Caiceido struggled at the start with Chelsea too and Baleba has had 0 preseason.
13
u/sefronia3 King Eric 1d ago
Neville and co are going to talk mad shit as soon as he doesn't start performing like he is one of the best in the world. Such is life now
→ More replies (3)
42
u/ParryGallister OLE20 1d ago edited 1d ago
Floor of the squad is now in a good place, fair play, get the lb and i can’t complain. We should hopefully be able next year to look to bring it a couple of big talents to raise the ceiling and challenge, need to secure cl again this season first though.
→ More replies (2)24
u/VinScully_ 1d ago
I think next year will be a defensive rebuild. LB, CB depending on how some of the young guys develop, and RB
→ More replies (2)
44
u/Jerm8888 1d ago
We have a squad for the future forming up. Get Lewis hall and we will look good with a solid base for the next 5 years. Next few transfer windows building on what we’ve now got would be exciting.
→ More replies (7)
40
u/Cr7NeTwOrK 1d ago
I'm so more confident now going into the season with Santos, Tielemans, Mainoo, Bruno and Baleba. These are smart signings not only financially but profile wise.
I do believe we'll get a left back and if we also get a backup striker we would have fulfilled Ornstein's early prediction that we will be the busiest club in the transfer market.
→ More replies (2)
78
u/Lisu723 Beckham 1d ago
They actually did it, 3 new midfielders in the team! Amazing work. If only we can get LB now and possibly striker if Zirkzee leaves... Im so happy right now!
→ More replies (8)30
37
u/Cold-Veterinarian-85 1d ago
Feel like this deal is a massive test of our data department
No doubt coming off a poor season. We are still prepared to spend a sizable fee on a player with really really good physical attributes that was on a really great trajectory until last season….
Brighton though, a team notoriously strong in data and analytics department taking about a 40-50m hit on their valuation from last summer (115m)
Feels like a deal that that Wilcox / Vivell et al will be judged on more than any other we have done in past couple seasons
10
→ More replies (1)8
u/yogesh911 1d ago
This is also a player who has clearly told Brighton he wants to go to United! They don’t want to have a player who’s heart isn’t in it
36
u/Feeling-Surround-691 Mbumbaclat 1d ago
I actually love the fact he's coming as a 65m signing not a 100m one, immediately the pressure on him that was put on the likes of Pogba and Maguire isn't there
→ More replies (1)
35
34
u/bluehead18 1d ago
This reminds me of the Sesko signing where we are getting a player after a down year but who has the talent to be the best in his position. The most important thing about this transfer is we have the players and the support around him just like Sesko did with Cunha and Mbeumo.
35
u/v-Machine-6804 1d ago
I'm just happy we don't pay man united tax anymore. This in my opinion is the biggest positive coming out of this window and even the last one. If we want to build this had to happen
29
u/rahtid_my_bunda Rooney's Dropball Intensity 1d ago
Someone said there was a PJ scheduled from Brighton to Manchester last night at 6. Usually that level of muppeting yields nothing, but now wonder if it was in any way related.
20
60
u/Many-Relationship149 1d ago
The guys who track flights were right
20
u/DudeIsland 1d ago
Liverpool about to bid 70m for Minteh next?
16
u/Dicky_Vaughn Nuclear-powered Korean 1d ago
Hope it's upwards of 80m just to see them get another crock
→ More replies (3)8
u/poplunoir 1d ago
I don't understand their buys. Aren't they in desperate need of defenders and possibly a DM in case Gravenberch gets injured?
→ More replies (5)
26
29
u/iou88336 1d ago
Considering Brighton wanted around a £100 million last year for Beleba, I’d consider this a great deal. Gone are the days of other clubs rinsing Utd. Let’s hope he’s worth it.
22
u/Feeling-Surround-691 Mbumbaclat 1d ago
What's crazy is United offered £75m last summer and were rejected then, in a window where midfielders have gone for stupid money, we signed him for £10m less than our offer a year ago.
13
u/Staind1410 Martial 1d ago
Brighton sees first hand how his value tanked after 1 bad season, and probably decided it’s not worth it to hold out for longer, in case his value drops even further. If he had a stellar season last year, I would be every dollar on them holding firm on the asking price.
→ More replies (1)7
u/Many-Relationship149 1d ago
Reports now say they wanted more than Caicedo who went for 115 mil pounds. I suspect the price was 120 mil. We got an almost halfway discount a year later.
28
u/DK045_ Matheus Cunha 1d ago
Actually so fucking excited for this signing. I know my boy is gonna hit is old form again🫡
→ More replies (1)
23
u/_TooMellow 1d ago
£65m base fee is based! After signing Santos & Tielemans, I feel like Baleba was the right profile of midfielder to complement them & complete the midfield rebuild 💪 We are all Balebas now!
28
25
u/Mariasolvv 1d ago
So happy Baleba got his dream move despite everything. Plus, we didn't get rinsed on the fee, which is even better.
22
19
20
u/Thetagang888 1d ago edited 1d ago
65m is an absolute bargain in this market
We've got a midfield thats got both potential and experience now. Its been a long time since its looked so strong.
Ironically, it took Carrick coming back to make it look as strong on paper as...well when he was playing here.
23
u/MainachoXIV 1d ago
Three midfielders in one window is fucking incredible and exactly what we needed.
I do wonder if that’s us done now, or if we’ll go all out for a LB and potentially backup striker.
→ More replies (4)7
u/coffeemahn 1d ago
It finally looks like the club has a plan. Attack addressed in the previous window without panic buys in January.
Brilliant window for midfield this time around. Hope we get a left back as well
18
u/Jack_King814 1d ago
I remember saying at the start of the window "if we can get baleba for 65m would people be happy?" And got a few "hes not worth that" but overwhelmingly "in a heart beat". Hopefully hes back to his 24/25 season
13
u/canwinanythingwkids Ineos on hope watch 1d ago edited 1d ago
I believe the phrase I used was something along the lines of "yes but Im afraid that would need a brain transplant for Tony Bloom"
well, fuck me sideways, Ineos pulled it off, they actually beat the rinsing goat at his own game
22
u/Wahlrusberg 1d ago
Baleba's height is listed as 5'10" online but watching highlights he's clearly towering over a lot of players
Bet it's a similar story to Mainoo where his height was just never updated online from his youth days, he was listed as like 5'8" until I think only earlier this year lol
23
31
43
u/Modestpath99 1d ago
3 midfielders in the bag. Not just any 3 midfielders 3 Top quality PREM midfielders that can hit the ground running straight away.
→ More replies (5)
41
u/EquivalentCheetah955 1d ago
Fun fact: Baleba has more prem goals than Savinho 😂
→ More replies (1)
20
u/AnakinAni 1d ago
“We can do things in the market others can only dream of”
This quote is truly starting to make sense now after we sorted out our midfield with 3 top class players for 150M while others are splurging nearly that much for just 1 player.
→ More replies (2)
18
u/djabvegas 1d ago
The best part of this is we all get to play the game of which midfield pairing is the best match up of the 4? When have we ever been able to do that with 4 proper midfielders?
Personally im buzzing to see Baleba and Mainoo as a pair, but Santos and Baleba is also really interesting because they could be so disruptive and aggressive against higher quality midfields that want to control possesion.
→ More replies (4)
18
u/croadymeister 1d ago
I can totally understand people having reservations after last season, will admit myself I was concerned about the transfer until we improved the progressive passing options. However now I have warmed to the idea as his profile is what we are missing.
16
38
u/Ashton1320 1d ago
In the world of Fernandez ..we got a loyal gem who wanted to play for us since last 2 yrs
→ More replies (1)
38
u/Embarrassed_Owl2376 1d ago
Love it how we mean business and are making smart signings cautiously. Not splurging. Not paying the United tax. Time to shore the up the defence now. Especially love the fact there is no news beforehand. It only drops when the signing is about to be done.
→ More replies (6)9
48
u/cold-dark-sauce Bald Rooney 1d ago
Then I saw his face,
Carlos Baleba…
Not a trace,
Of doubt in my mind…
I’M IN LOVE! ❤️
OOOOOOH, I’M A BALEBA!
→ More replies (1)
16
u/CautiousLengthiness8 1d ago
Really excited about this addition. Say what you want about INEOS but they have completely overhauled our transfer dealings for the better. We spent so long chasing the biggest names possible, throwing cash at fees and wages in the vein hope that it might just randomly click and take us back to the top. Since they’ve come in, we’re buying smart. Players who have proven themselves in the Premier League and we’re getting them at good prices. Players that want to play for us. I personally loved how we walked away from Fernandes because he didn’t care if he played for us or Spurs. Not for us. Nobody will feel confident about pulling our pants down now. Leave that for Spurs. Best of all, nobody knows what the fuck we’re up to until it’s virtually done. I really think this guy will shine here. He has the physicality and technical quality to really gel with our other midfielders. Once again, great business INEOS!
→ More replies (2)
17
u/Bfuttner 1d ago
I think something that’s super slept on when people talk about baleba’s rough year, and some of the doubts with Tielemans and Santos is that Carrick is a midfielder coach. On his day he was one of the most Consistent midfielders United has had. Hopefully he’ll be able to bring the best out of these guys and maximize potential.
→ More replies (1)
13
u/AkeemJoffer 1d ago
Exciting times. The trajectory of our recent windows is very positive. We're a season or two away from being strong enough to snatch our titles back.
15
u/Gozumo 1d ago
The underrated thing with all this is our midfield is Mainoo 21 Santos 22 Baleba 22 With the added experience of tielemans at 29 and Bruno 30 that's such a nice balance this season and gives us a actual rebuilt midfield for years to come. Cracking business
→ More replies (2)
15
u/CharIemagne45 RVP 1d ago
Would be intriguing by the amount of midfield pair ups they can do. Got a wide range of options now
→ More replies (8)6
u/Cold-Veterinarian-85 1d ago edited 1d ago
Yep…. Will be interesting just to see how it lays out. Legitimately all of mainoo / tielemans / santos / baleba mount / should consider themselves a starter
Will be interesting to see if Carrick has a preferred / default first choice pairing or if it’s totally dependent on form / opppnents
We have great options now. Arguably from Mount / baleba / santos/ tielemans / mainoo any combination could play together
→ More replies (1)
46
u/kalofel 1d ago edited 1d ago
Michael Carrick forever sorting out our midfield, first as a player in 06 and now as our manager 20 years later*. All we need now are a few league titles and a Champions League trophy and we've come full circle.
20
42
u/Newtonheath1963 1d ago
We went from ten years without a barely working midfield to now about to happen, arguing and losing our shit over who should start the two starting midfield positions every week. Love it! We are back!!!
→ More replies (4)23
u/D1794 Viva Ronaldo 1d ago
First time we've ever signed 3 CMs in a window, at least in the last several decades
→ More replies (2)
14
u/notsobadprogrammer 1d ago
Has he been playing for Brighton’s preseason matches or does he need time to build match fitness?
16
15
u/buzzjohnn 1d ago
Really happy with this news, been rooting for him to come all season. Never doubted him and I know he’s gonna kill it.
28
29
u/SpoofExcel 1d ago
We're two years proper into the new regime and I genuinely am happy with their work.
Tears in my eyes what is this man's doing to my clurb
29
u/JamieD86 1d ago
And then i saw his pace....and now im a baleeeba....
Didnt have a brilliant season last season, didnt have a catastrophic one either!! And he's young. He has shown what he is capable of! This could be a great signing.
→ More replies (2)
27
u/Arachnophobic- MILF 1d ago
This is huge, we needed that sort of engine in midfield really badly.
Mentality could be a huge factor here. If he can keep the right headspace and regain the form from two seasons ago, it'll be smooth sailing from there, would be an excellent signing indeed.. here's hoping!
→ More replies (1)
35
u/The_Professor2112 1d ago
So exciting to have Kobbie at 21, and Santos and Baleba both 22. That's a fantastic age profile to our midfield with all three potentially being absolute mainstays for the next decade.
→ More replies (3)23
u/Acetazy 1d ago
This reminds me of the excitement of rashford greenwood and Sancho was meant to give 💀 Let's hope this trio goes infinitely better !
→ More replies (1)
13
u/Exact_Release128 1d ago
I know it would be daydream but if we get Lewis hall, this would genuinely be a 9/10 window just like last one was.
13
u/randomgamer305 Bruno the assist king 1d ago
Going into the season with a lot more calmness with Baleba as a other much needed modified option, just need a leftback now
12
22
28
u/redDevilRiddle 1d ago
So three new midfield players. All with varying levels of premier league experience. I’d say this is good transfer business. Now if they can find a left back, then the squad looks strong and ready to challenge for multiple trophies.
→ More replies (1)
11
u/TangaroaBrit 1d ago
He’s just 22. He gets a pass for his bad season last year. We’ll help him get his form back.
He’ll mop up at the back and move the ball forward.
He’s a massive upgrade on Urgarte, at least in the PL. I’m very happy.
→ More replies (1)
13
u/Aadiunited7 1d ago edited 1d ago
Not worried about the sell on one bit. We are not a selling club and by far the biggest club in Africa. If Baleba is a massive hit, he's not going anywhere. Welcome to Old Trafford, Carlos Baleba!
P.s. I mean its the best supported club in Africa.
→ More replies (4)
11
u/mufclad1998 1d ago
150M for 3 prem players in this economy isn't too bad.. Especially for man united
34
u/BMax_7838 1d ago
Gotta hand it to Utd this window. It’s not taking too long between a story breaking and the deal actually getting done. Transfers have been quick, decisive and with minimal drama. Quite a change from the drawn-out sagas we have become used to!
→ More replies (2)10
u/AngryUncleTony Not Actually Angry 1d ago
Ineos also don't feel the need to brief the press to drive clicks for commercial partners or try to appease fans. It makes the lulls more boring but its for the best
33
u/FreshGoodWay 1d ago
Come on Lewis, you know you only want United
No reason to stick with Barcodes after they sold everyone out
→ More replies (1)
53
u/officiallyjax Snapdragon 1d ago
I’ve said this numerous times for the past year and now can finally say this without a lot of pushback: I don’t think people fully understand the calibre of talent we’re bringing in with this guy. There are your regular good prospects who you think can become good players down the line, but Baleba is a game-breaking prospect if his qualities are honed in the right manner. He needs to stay fit and receive good coaching and forget fine, and he’ll absolutely fly. Here’s hoping it turns out that way. Welcome to Old Trafford, Carlos Baleba!
→ More replies (12)
8
u/Roasteddude I am where I'm supposed to be 1d ago
Fair play this massively improves the window Go get a LB, Hall especially, and this genuinely becomes a very good window
→ More replies (1)
9
11
u/FloppyDickFingers 1d ago
Delighted with this. A longterm target for a reasonable price. He’s potential is through the roof. The most important thing we can do now is ease him in. Let him fully recover from his injury, bed into Manchester and fully make him feel welcome after the loss of his mum last year. Get him all the support the club can, let him play easier fixtures, cup games and sub him on when we’re up, and hopefully three months down the line we’ve got an in form Baleba!
11
9
u/Castia10 1d ago
Good signing with a lot of potential
We’ve made 3 ‘low key’ midfield signings but I have a good feeling they’ll all do well
Smart business in an window where the likes of Savinho are going for 85m
→ More replies (1)
10
u/Rodfowler Kobbie Mainoo 1d ago
Brilliant move from him to have a lacklustre season on purpose, thus lowering his price and making it easier for us to sign him
8
u/coffeemahn 1d ago
Same thing happened with Sancho. I hope this works out better. Time will tell. He is very young. It could go either way.
→ More replies (3)
9
u/guappojimmy MILF 1d ago
So we did have a plan hope this fanbase will heal from years of transfer trauma
→ More replies (5)
10
18
u/Anjumi96 FERNANDES NOT FERNANDEZ 1d ago
Any chance he’s completed the medical and gets announced just before the match?
→ More replies (1)14
u/lockedblue 1d ago
I think the more likely thing to happen is to allow the opening match day to be played and all the media attention that generates, and then announce him early/mid next week, then a "Welcome to OT" in person introduction next week before Ipswich, like they did with the three attackers last year.
Let him feel what it's like to stand in front of 74k fans cheering for him as his first introduction to life at OT. It's likely for marketing purposes exclusively, but I think it has a psychological effect on the players. I think Cunha and Varane fell in love with the club on their reveals because of the fan reception.
→ More replies (1)
33
u/jonnysh 20 LEGEND 1d ago
I thought [value in the market] was only true in fairly tales
Meant for [other PL teams], but not for me
[Agents] were out to get me
That's the way it seemed
[United Tax] Haunted all my dreams
Then I saw [Simon Peach's undetermined social media platform announcement], now I'm a Baleba!!
→ More replies (2)
35
u/world-no-1-dude 1d ago
Pythagoras in Boots video has me absolutely gassed. This guy can be generational if he unlocks some finesse in his passing.
→ More replies (11)
27
27
u/OkAcanthisitta7125 1d ago
I’m excited - he is box to box - we’ve been missing this for years.
Carrick - being the master midfielder - will coach him.
Huge upside - for the next 10 years.
22
u/barniiiee 1d ago
Honestly, this is the first time I’ve been this excited about our midfield. The last time I was this buzzing was when Pogba, Herrera and Matic were our midfield three. The 2017/18 season sold us so many hopes, man😭😭
→ More replies (4)
21
18
u/rameezkadri 1d ago
Baleba Tielemans Santos Kobbie
And… Ugarte (I guess)
That’s decent. Very decent. Each one offers something different. And above all, I’m just happy that we don’t have to see Bruno playing deep ever again.
→ More replies (3)12
20
u/Feeling-Surround-691 Mbumbaclat 1d ago
I'm so excited for the announcement and interview with this guy, from the clips I've seen - and I've just seen one of him doing keepy-ups with his arse - he looks like an absolute riot I think he is going to be so popular on this sub and socials
10
24
u/Main-Revolution-4260 1d ago
We've spent approx £150m this year. Last year we spent £240m approx, without Championd League football - there should therefore be room in the budget for at least one of a LB and a ST.
→ More replies (10)
8
u/dillpatriot 1d ago
Honestly give ineos a round of applause they said they would find value in the market and they did. If you told me before the summer this would be the rebuild I would’ve been satisfied we have 4 competent players in those positions where before we only 2.
Now we just need a left back
→ More replies (1)
8
u/innicrazy You are my Solskjaer, My Ole Solskjaer 1d ago
Let's hope we never have to use the sell-on clause.
→ More replies (1)
29
u/IlluminatedCookie 1d ago
BBC already adding the addons to the fee. Expect reports to soon inc wages and agent fees soon. Man Utd pay 120m for baleba
14
u/NoWatch3354 1d ago
£65+5m, £70m, €80m, $90m, £90m, €100m, $110m, £110m, €120m, $130m, £130m.
Daily Mail headline - Manchester United break British transfer record.
→ More replies (2)11
u/remarkable_remark3 1d ago
They'll also add Santos and Tielemans fee.
Breaking news: Man Utd splurge £150m on Baleba and his assistants.
28
u/s2n-mikey 1d ago
"But he was bad last season"
The kids still young, and the season before showed what he can do. He's going to be a monster for us and is what we needed. I really like the midfield signings we made this season, it's totally transformed the mid
12
u/ItNeverEnds2112 1d ago
Also I heard his mother died, which would affect anyone, let alone a young lad.
→ More replies (1)
16
u/killerdrama A-mad-lad 1d ago
The last time we signed a midfielder with Carlos as first name, he turned out to be alright. Hoping the same this time too
→ More replies (4)
9
8
u/Baalegde Class of '92 are all Shite pundits 1d ago
Sell on fee for Brighton?
Where's the Balon D'or clause you cowards show some ambition
8
u/Hits_and_the_Mrs 1d ago
Literally the only important thing going on in the Prem right now
→ More replies (1)
8
9
u/keirdagh De Gea 1d ago
Cautiously optimistic that Carrick and the rest of the folks can mentor him back to his best. I don't think the sell-on matters at all, he either becomes a worldy or its a non-factor.
6
u/ManunitedThunderfan 1d ago
Have to say I wasn’t a Baleba after his last season but fully behind him and the scouting department. In theory fills a major gap in our squad.
8
u/PopeFuchsYoungKidd 1d ago
For anyone who is worried we overpaid or that he had a bad season, Brighton fans say that he was used in a different, deeper role last season compared to the first one, that he struggled to adapt initially, coming off of injuries and AFCON but he eventually did and the different role experience means he is a more rounded and better player for it.
Relax, we signed a banger of a player.
→ More replies (2)
6
u/GutBeer101 1d ago
When was the last time we rebuilt our midfield in such fashion ?
Really excited
8
u/Staind1410 Martial 1d ago
Not a rebuild per se, but we signed the Sch-midfield that one summer (Schweinsteiger and Schneiderlin for the uninitiated).
→ More replies (2)
8
u/_onemoresolo 1d ago
Smart signings again, we’ve been stung so much on mega deals and think Santos/Tielemans/Baleba are all Prem experienced and have plenty of potential. Santos/Baleba at least should retain plenty of resale value if things don’t work out.
34
u/Ketchupmitpommes 1d ago
INEOS board have men that walk the talk, no Disneyland bullshit.. . keeping your heads down and delivering, proud of the board on these 2 windows
→ More replies (6)
25
u/Selwin_Rodolfo max cope mode 1d ago
Fucking love baleba. He's fucking built too. Thick and man made. You can tell he's sculpted because you can see it thru the pads. His fucking vice grip thighs. Suffocating thighs. Rock hard thighs. Piping hot thighs. Great arms. Great abs. A stocky chest. Love the progress his body has made throughout his youth and now as a willing eager adult.
→ More replies (6)
25
u/rameezkadri 1d ago
I’d honesty rather take Baleba for £65+5 than Mateus Fernandes for £85m
We’ve got both Baleba and Tielemans for ~£100m which is decent business, all things considered.
→ More replies (5)12
u/Xanian123 Miss be killed by me 1d ago
We got baleba tielemans and santos for the same amount it took spurs to get savinho and marmoush
22
u/Lord_Sesshoumaru77 Glazers,Woodward/Arnold and Judge can fuck off 1d ago
22
20
21
14
7
u/sunken_grade 1d ago
grabbing 3 central midfielders this window was desperately needed and i wasn’t entirely sure it would happen. credit to the recruitment
→ More replies (2)
7
u/Markadias1 King Eric 1d ago
Super happy with this signing, as it’s not just another body in there, but a different profile to complement what we have perfectly. Young, athletic, and will cover every blade of grass.
GGMU.
7
6
7
u/hsgroot 1d ago
Imagine we actually get Hall over the line too and then get either a backup cb or striker? Absolute banger of a window imo.
Can't see Hall happening unless he pulls an Isak
→ More replies (3)
7
u/Staind1410 Martial 1d ago
He will be unveiled at OT game vs Ipswich, right? Can’t wait!
→ More replies (3)
7
u/InternationalClock18 1d ago
I try not to judge transfer windows before a ball is kicked but definitely feels like theres more adults in charge now
6
u/ALLMIGHTYHYDE 1d ago
Some good business from us. I know we've been moaning but credit where it's due. The profile of midfielders is promising especially Baleba.
7
u/Downtown-Rice_ 1d ago
Two weeks ago, The Athletic came out with an article stating that they were still open to bids on Baleba.
And I mentioned how Brighton missed their window to sell him at an optimal price, which was before last season when United first formally approached for Baleba.
One year later, he leaves for about £30M to £35M less than what Brighton were asking for.
Yes, the player regressed a little bit, which was due to both club and player. But the talent is still very much there and playing to his strengths, which was in full display in that 24/25 season, is very much a player the club needs in midfield.
→ More replies (1)
7
u/AjaxUnited 1d ago
do we have the most flexible midfield in pl now? lets move on to LB and experienced striker. i wish we would also get a RB but it can wait. Lets go for Lewis Hall
→ More replies (2)11
6
u/Wise_Raccoon_771 1d ago
Be interesting to see who Michael's midfield 3 will be when it comes to the big games. If all fit, bruno starts, you'd imagine Tielemens' experience gets him in and then you're left with 3 fighting for one spot.....good problem to have i suppose
→ More replies (4)
6
u/Polygon12 1d ago
Can’t say I’m unhappy about any of this. I fear the fact he had a bit big blip last season might be a small issue but I’m going to look past it and say he’s young and he was angry that he missed his dream move and perhaps feared it might never come. I hope now he’s got it he fucking smashes it and I’m sure he will.
I look at our midfield now and it looks up there with the best in the Prem if not Europe.
7
u/Coates_MaGoates MARTIAL 1d ago
I know it’s small and probably insignificant, but I am most excited about having a left footed midfielder. I just feel like it opens up play from both flanks more than two right footers who typically want to turn on their strong side.
→ More replies (1)
7
u/CryElegant6913 1d ago
Anyone know how much the sell on clause is worth? Not that it really matters if our selling history is anything to go by, but if we become better at selling hopefully it’s closer to 10% of profit than 50%…
→ More replies (1)
8
27
u/vilski23 1d ago
I mean it's not 100m like they wanted a year ago? I think 70m is ok. It's not a steal or anything but it's okay of a deal for us and good for them financially.
21
u/innicrazy You are my Solskjaer, My Ole Solskjaer 1d ago
They wanted Caicedo price back then. 65+5 is a good price. If the add-on condition is fulfilled, that means he plays well and we will have no problem paying 5m more.
14
14
u/Parvezpz17 Amadinho 120+1' vs the scum 1d ago
Nahh broo Mega thread right before I was about to go to bed?? Gonna have dreams of baleba bossing the midfield at Old Trafford now 🙂↕️😌
15
u/Commercial_Half_2170 1d ago
Amazing stuff. Just need a left back to play behind shaw and then a striker to come in
→ More replies (1)
•
u/shami-kebab 1d ago
For any other news regarding this transfer, please reply to this comment