مانشستر يونايتد مُضطرٌّ لتقديم عرضٍ "مُجنون" لضمّ كارلوس باليبا، في ظلّ تكتيكات برايتون التفاوضية سيئة السمعة.

• Red Devils have made attacking additions
• Attention turning to midfield engine room
• Seagulls to demand nine-figure transfer fee

The Red Devils have been able to bolster their attacking ranks this summer with the signings of Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo. Midfield reinforcements are said to be next on their list of priorities.

Ruben Amorim is reported to be a big fan of برايتون star Baleba, who is considered to be a “perfect” fit for any engine room. The 21-year-old is being billed as a “dream” addition for those at Old Trafford.

Initial contact has been made with Baleba’s representatives, and متحد “didn’t find closed doors”. Brighton, though, are understandably reluctant to part with a Cameroon international who they snapped up from ليل in 2023.

Fabrizio Romano has told GIVEMESPORT: “It means an important, very important, maybe crazy proposal is needed or Baleba is not available for sale this summer. It’s never easy to negotiate with Brighton, especially with 23 days to go. But مانشستر يونايتد wanted to try. Let’s see what happens next.”

Baleba is tied to a contract at the Amex Stadium through to 2028, meaning that they are under no pressure to sell. It is being suggested that the Seagulls would demand £100 million plus ($135m) to sanction a sale.

مانشستر يونايتد مُضطرٌّ لتقديم عرضٍ "مُجنون" لضمّ كارلوس باليبا، في ظلّ تكتيكات برايتون التفاوضية سيئة السمعة.

ال summer transfer window is heating up, and for مانشستر يونايتد, a key target has emerged: Carlos Baleba of . The 19-year-old midfielder has quickly become a name on the lips of many, and for good reason. His dynamic performances and potential have caught the eye of Erik ten Hag, but securing his signature won’t be a walk in the park. United must brace themselves for a challenging negotiation with Brighton, a club renowned for its shrewd and often uncompromising approach to player sales.

Why Carlos Baleba is a Perfect Fit for Manchester United

Baleba’s skillset aligns perfectly with what Ten Hag is building at Old Trafford. He’s a powerful, box-to-box midfielder with excellent tackling ability, a strong passing range, and a surprising turn of pace. He offers a blend of defensive solidity and attacking impetus, something United have lacked consistently in recent seasons. His youth also means he fits the club’s evolving transfer strategy of investing in promising talent with high resale value.

• القدرة الدفاعية: Baleba excels at breaking up play and winning back possession.
• Passing Accuracy: He boasts a high pass completion rate, demonstrating composure on the ball.
• Physicality: His strength and stamina allow him to cover a lot of ground.
• Potential for Growth: At just 19, Baleba has significant room for development under Ten Hag’s guidance.

Brighton’s Negotiation Reputation: A History of Hardball

Brighton, under the ownership of Tony Bloom and the astute leadership of David Weir, have become masters of the transfer market. They consistently identify and develop undervalued talent, then sell them for substantial profits. However, they are notoriously difficult to negotiate with. They are known to:

• Inflate Asking Prices: Brighton often starts with a significantly higher asking price than they realistically expect to receive.
• Resist Lowball Offers: They are unlikely to entertain offers they deem disrespectful.
• Hold Firm on Key Clauses: They are particularly protective of clauses like sell-on percentages and performance-based bonuses.
• Play the Waiting Game: Brighton are patient and willing to let negotiations drag on, hoping to drive up the price or attract other bidders.

Recent examples, such as the sales of Moises Caicedo ل تشيلسي و Alexis Mac Allister to Liverpool, demonstrate Brighton’s unwavering stance. Both deals involved protracted negotiations and ultimately commanded record-breaking fees. Manchester United must learn from these precedents.

The ‘Crazy’ Bid: How Much Will It Take?

Given Brighton’s reputation and Baleba’s potential, Manchester United should prepare for a bidding war. A standard offer, even a generous one, might not be enough. A “crazy bid” – a significantly inflated offer designed to test Brighton’s resolve and potentially force their hand – might be necessary.

Estimating Baleba’s value is tricky. He’s yet to establish himself as a consistent الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز starter, but his potential is undeniable. Considering the current market and Brighton’s track record, a bid in the region of £60-80 million could be required. This figure might seem steep for a relatively unproven player, but it’s a price that reflects both his potential and the difficulty of negotiating with Brighton.

Structuring the Offer: Beyond the Headline Fee

Simply throwing money at Brighton won’t guarantee success. The structure of the offer is crucial. United should consider:

• Upfront Payment: A substantial upfront payment demonstrates seriousness and provides Brighton with immediate funds.
• Add-ons: Performance-based add-ons, tied to Baleba’s appearances, goals, and achievements, can sweeten the deal without significantly increasing the initial fee.
• Sell-On Clause: A reasonable sell-on clause (e.g., 10-15%) could appease Brighton and demonstrate United’s long-term commitment.
• Avoiding Player Exchange: Brighton are unlikely to be interested in a player exchange, preferring a straightforward cash deal.

Inside Information: Leveraging Contacts

Manchester United’s recruitment team should leverage any existing relationships with individuals at Brighton. Having a direct line of communication can provide valuable insights into Brighton’s internal thinking and potentially facilitate smoother negotiations. Understanding their priorities and red lines is essential.

Potential Alternatives if Baleba Deal Fails

While Baleba is the preferred target, Manchester United must have contingency plans in place. Potential alternatives include:

• João Neves (Benfica): A highly-rated Portuguese midfielder with similar qualities to Baleba.
• Khephren Thuram (لطيف - جيد): A powerful and athletic midfielder with experience in الدوري الفرنسي 1.
• Amadou Onana (إيفرتون): A physically imposing midfielder who has Premier League experience.

However, pursuing these alternatives will likely require similar levels of investment and negotiation expertise.

First-Hand Experience: A Former Club Negotiator’s Perspective (Hypothetical)

“Dealing with Brighton is like negotiating with a Swiss bank,” says a former Premier League club negotiator, speaking anonymously. “They’re incredibly well-prepared, they know their players’ worth, and they’re not afraid to walk away. You need to be patient, respectful, but also firm. And you absolutely need to be prepared to pay a premium. Underestimating them is a mistake.”