United Circle Baleba as Amorim Prioritises Midfield Reinforcements

Manchester United are eyeing Brighton's Carlos Baleba as they seek to strengthen their midfield options this year, with Ruben Amorim making central midfield recruitment a key focus.

The Red Devils are actively looking into the possibility of landing a top-tier midfielder during the January window, with the Cameroon international on their radar according to reports. However, securing Baleba this month is considered a long shot, with the club's hierarchy more inclined to make their move in the summer market.

Amorim's blueprint calls for adding "at least one – maybe even two – top central midfielders" to the squad in 2026. While the summer transfer window appears the more realistic timeframe, the United hierarchy has indicated they would pounce on any "unique market opportunities" should they materialise during the current window.

Alongside Baleba, Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson and Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton feature prominently on the shortlist. Anderson has impressed this season, leading the Premier League in ball recoveries with 159. United are also monitoring emerging talent including Lille's Ayyoub Bouaddi and Olympiacos' Christos Mouzakitis.

The search isn't confined to midfield, with Amorim also tracking attacking options. Crystal Palace's Jean-Philippe Mateta and RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande have caught his attention, particularly after missing out on Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo to Manchester City.

The Baleba Case

Of the primary targets, Baleba appears increasingly likely to eventually land at Old Trafford, according to observers. Rio Ferdinand, speaking last July, threw his weight behind the move: "Physically great, can drive with the ball, can take it in all areas, very good tactically, great energy, great legs, Premier League experience, centre midfield. Baleba. That's who I go and get. That's my man. I go and break the bank."

Troy Deeney warned in August that window-shopping could prove costly. He told talkSPORT: "I think United have to get him this window or they don't get him. If he has another good season, I do think other teams – Real Madrid and the like – will come in and go, 'Bosh, we'll have him'. If I'm Ruben Amorim, I'm kind of bullish on that: 'Get this deal done, because then I can get you into Europe.'"

The 22-year-old's form has dipped noticeably this season, with summer transfer chatter seemingly weighing on his performances. Brighton's position of 14th in the Premier League at the halfway stage means boss Fabian Hürzeler would benefit from Baleba rediscovering his best. A £100m January departure appears virtually impossible, leaving the summer as the realistic window for any deal to materialise.