Manchester City Join the Race for Carlos Baleba

Guardiola eyes Brighton’s midfield sensation as a potential successor to Rodri

 

In a dramatic twist to the summer transfer window, Manchester City have officially registered their interest in Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba, joining a growing list of elite European clubs monitoring the Cameroonian-born talent. Sources close to the Etihad hierarchy have confirmed that the club has begun internal assessments and initial inquiries regarding a potential move for the 20-year-old starlet.

 

Carlos Baleba, who joined Brighton from Lille in 2023 for around £25 million, has rapidly risen in prominence thanks to his explosive performances in the Premier League. Despite his young age, Baleba’s mature presence on the pitch, ball-winning ability, and progressive passing have drawn comparisons to elite holding midfielders — and it’s no surprise that Pep Guardiola’s side is taking notice.

 

 

Manchester City’s midfield, though stacked with talent, has seen signs of fatigue and over-reliance on Spanish powerhouse Rodri, who played a staggering number of matches last season. Guardiola, who highly values midfield rotation and tactical versatility, is believed to be on the lookout for a young, dynamic, and defensively aware midfielder to both complement and eventually succeed Rodri.

 

City’s scouts are said to have been tracking Baleba extensively since January, and with Manchester United also in talks with Brighton over the player, this latest move by City adds spice to what could become a North-West transfer tug-of-war.

 

Brighton, who have developed a reputation for discovering and polishing top-tier talents, have no urgency to sell. However, sources close to the Seagulls indicate that an offer above £55 million could open the door for negotiations — especially with Brighton already identifying potential replacements in Europe and South America.

 

Having sold the likes of Moisés Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister in recent windows for hefty fees, Brighton are keen to continue the model — but only at the right price and timing.

Baleba’s aggressive pressing and positional discipline make him an ideal fit for Guardiola’s midfield system. In scenarios where Rodri is unavailable or rested, Baleba could step in as a single pivot or even play in a dual role with Mateo Kovačić or Matheus Nunes, offering both defensive steel and build-up fluidity.

 

If signed, he would become part of City’s long-term succession planning — potentially easing the future transition as players like Kevin De Bruyne, Rodri, and Bernardo Silva begin to age or consider moves away.

 

 

 

With Manchester United already advancing talks, and Brighton holding firm on their valuation, Manchester City’s entry into the race drastically increases the stakes. If City choose to pursue him aggressively, they have both the financial muscle and sporting appeal to lure Baleba over their rivals.

 

It’s unclear whether a formal bid will arrive this week, but expect rapid developments. Manchester City, after all, rarely hesitate once Guardiola

gives the green light.

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