Manchester City News can exclusively reveal that Manchester City have been interested in signing Carlos Baleba even before he signed for Brighton & Hove Albion from Lille in 2023.
Baleba would suit Manchester City to a tee as Pep Guardiola’s side desperately lack the Cameroonian’s blend of athleticism, technical ability and expansive range of passing in a single midfielder since Rodri’s injury.
The Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder is still only 21 and much like Savinho, Jeremy Doku (22) and Abdukodir Khusanov (20) — he would also fit Manchester City’s profile of signing young players in recent seasons.
But the question several Sky Blues fans will be asking is whether Hugo Viana could really push for a move for Carlos Baleba in the summer.
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Man City not planning to sign Carlos Baleba in the summer
Sources have informed Manchester City News’ chief correspondent Graeme Bailey that with Pep Guardiola having both Rodri and Nico Gonzalez at their disposal, it is highly unlikely that they will bring in a brand-new defensive midfielder such as Baleba.
While Nico is a natural number eight by trade, he has been trusted to anchor City’s back four by Pep Guardiola for much of his stint at the Etihad Stadium so far.
Sticking to Baleba, it looks like a long list of suitors will be ready to prise him away from Brighton — with Liverpool and Arsenal also admiring him when he was at Lille just like Manchester City.
Furthermore, the Seagulls have no interest in losing some of their key players in the summer, especially if they secure European football at the end of the season. However, Baleba’s future could well depend on where Brighton ultimately finish in the Premier League table.
Manchester City News also understand that while the Premier League champions are expected to be busy during the summer transfer window, the Douala-born technician would cost a pretty penny and like all clubs, they have a budget to adhere towards.
Manchester City could still make a move for one midfielder
However, City could still make a move for one midfielder in the summer.
The name is Bruno Guimaraes, who Pep Guardiola still loves.
While City might not enter the fray to sign another deep-lying midfielder after Nico’s arrival, Guimaraes’ potential availability could prompt them to change their stance.
Despite Newcastle United winning the Carabao Cup, the Brazilian could leave if they fail to secure Champions League football.
Manchester City fans would like to see either of Bruno Guimaraes or Baleba play their football at the Etihad Stadium as either player would singlehandedly elevate their midfield.
