Manchester City, the reigning Premier League champions, are poised to shatter their transfer record in a bold pursuit of Brighton’s sensational midfielder Carlos Baleba, a 21-year-old Cameroonian dynamo whose performances have left scouts in awe. With a staggering £115 million price tag, the potential deal would eclipse the £100 million City paid for Jack Grealish in 2021, marking a new chapter in the club’s ambitious squad rebuild under Pep Guardiola. As the summer transfer window looms, City’s interest in Baleba signals their intent to reinforce a midfield grappling with injuries and looming departures, setting the stage for a blockbuster transfer race.
Baleba’s meteoric rise at Brighton has made him one of the most coveted talents in English football. Since joining from Lille in 2023 for £23 million, the defensive midfielder has transformed into a complete player, blending tenacious tackling with creative flair. His dominant displays in the 2024-25 season, where he anchored Brighton’s midfield with an 88% pass completion rate and 2.5 tackles per game, have drawn comparisons to Moises Caicedo, who set the Premier League transfer record with a £115 million move to Chelsea. Brighton insiders believe Baleba surpasses Caicedo, citing his superior attacking contributions, including three goals and four assists this season. “He’s a better all-round midfielder,” a Brighton source reportedly claimed, highlighting Baleba’s ability to dictate play and surge forward, qualities that align perfectly with Guardiola’s tactical philosophy.
City’s pursuit of Baleba comes at a critical juncture. The absence of Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, sidelined by an ACL injury since September 2024, has exposed vulnerabilities in City’s midfield, with the team struggling to maintain their trademark control. While January signing Nico Gonzalez has provided cover, his 1.8 tackles per game pale in comparison to Rodri’s 3.2, prompting Guardiola to seek a long-term partner for the Spaniard. With Kevin De Bruyne’s contract nearing its end and rumors swirling around Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic’s futures, Baleba’s versatility and youth make him an ideal candidate to anchor City’s midfield for the next decade. “We’ve monitored him all season,” a City insider revealed, according to reports, underscoring the club’s admiration for Baleba’s “dominant performances” at the Amex Stadium.
The £115 million valuation reflects Brighton’s reluctance to lose their prized asset, especially after Caicedo’s departure. City face fierce competition from Chelsea, who have tracked Baleba since January 2025, and Liverpool, though the latter are less likely to match the hefty fee. Posts circulating on social media have fueled excitement, with fans marveling at Baleba’s “world-class potential” and debating whether City or Chelsea will win the race. The transfer would not only break City’s record but also challenge the Premier League’s benchmark, set by Caicedo’s move, which included £100 million upfront and £15 million in add-ons. City’s financial muscle, bolstered by a £92.8 million transfer profit in 2024 from sales like Julian Alvarez and Joao Cancelo, positions them to outbid rivals.
Guardiola’s vision for Baleba extends beyond replacing Rodri. The Cameroonian’s ability to transition seamlessly from defense to attack, evidenced by his 1.2 key passes per game, could see him thrive alongside City’s attacking stars like Erling Haaland and Phil Foden. “He’s a player who can do everything,” a scout reportedly noted, praising Baleba’s physicality and composure under pressure. His standout performance against Tottenham in April 2025, where he completed 92% of his passes and won seven duels, left City scouts “dazzled,” according to insiders. Such displays have cemented Baleba’s reputation as a future star, with Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler calling him “a cornerstone of our project.”
The potential transfer carries risks, given City’s mixed history with high-profile signings. Grealish, their current record acquisition, faced scrutiny for inconsistent output before finding his stride in the 2022-23 treble-winning season. Baleba, at 21, would need to adapt quickly to Guardiola’s demanding system, but his Premier League experience and multilingual background—speaking English, French, and Spanish—suggest a smooth transition. As City prepare for their next Premier League clash against Southampton, the buzz around Baleba underscores their relentless ambition to dominate English football, even as they navigate a challenging season marked by injuries and a dip in form.
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