Manchester City are very unlikely to do any more business during the current transfer window.
James Trafford became Man City’s sixth new signing of the summer when he completed his move from Burnley last month, and it has been reported that Pep Guardiola does not expect any more players to join his squad.
This leaves Man City short at right-back ahead of the Premier League starting next week, which is a weakness teams will look to exploit over the coming months.
The Manchester club are also keen to add another midfielder to their ranks in the future, and the perfect scenario might just play out, as it looks as though the Premier League star will not be going anywhere until 2026.
Brighton want to keep Carlos Baleba until 2026
It was reported on Thursday that Man City and Man United are showing interest in Carlos Baleba this summer, but both clubs know a deal will be hard to get over the line due to the £104m transfer fee that would be required.
Man City fans are not certain about a move for Baleba over the coming weeks, but that might not matter as Brighton do not plan on selling the midfielder before 2026, reports Ben Jacobs.
The transfer journalist has stated that Brighton’s preference is to keep the 21-year-old beyond this summer, with the Seagulls board believing that the Cameroonian star could be worth as much as Moises Caicedo one day, who the Premier League club sold to Chelsea for £115m.
This is the perfect scenario for Man City as it keeps Baleba away from Man United, while also allowing Guardiola to assess his midfield throughout the upcoming season, and gives the Citizens time to plan properly ahead of the 2026 summer transfer window.
The Brighton star is open to a move to Old Trafford this summer, but if City challenge the Red Devils for the midfielder in 12 months, they would have a strong chance of winning the race.
Carlos Baleba is ready to leave Brighton
Fabrizio Romano is reporting that Baleba is ready to leave Brighton this summer, but is also happy to remain at the Amex Stadium for one more season.
This is good news for Man City, as it suggests that if Guardiola makes a move for the midfielder next summer, the 21-year-old would be open to the idea.
“They know it will be very difficult to convince Brighton. Brighton are not willing to accept a normal fee for Baleba,” Romano said on his YouTube channel about Man United’s interest in the midfielder.
“And also, what about the player side? I told you that Baleba is not closing doors to Manchester United, but at the same time, Baleba is being respectful with Brighton. So at the moment, he’s not forcing a move.
“He knows that eventually, staying one more season at Brighton can be the opportunity to eventually leave in 2026, but he’s not closing doors to Manchester United.
“If Man United will find a way to sign Baleba this summer, club to club with Brighton, Baleba will be ready to say yes and to go to Man United, even without European football. So Baleba is ready.”
With Real Madrid still interested in Rodri, Baleba is a great option for Man City to have on their list should the Spanish star leave in a year, but it remains to be seen how his future plays out.
