Roy Keane Warns Manchester United Over £100M Gamble on Carlos Baleba
Manchester United’s summer spending spree has already crossed the £200 million mark, but the club’s pursuit of Brighton’s Carlos Baleba is stirring up strong opinions—and a fair bit of concern.
Roy Keane, never one to mince words, has voiced his doubts about the potential £100 million move for the 21-year-old midfielder. Speaking candidly on *The Overlap*, the United legend questioned the wisdom of splashing such a massive fee on a player still finding his feet in the Premier League.
“I’d be surprised if it happened,” Keane said. “You’re talking about £100m, but I still think it’s potential with a lot of these players. You can’t pay £100m for a player where you don’t know which way he’s going to go.”
Baleba, who’s made just 61 Premier League appearances, is undeniably talented—but Keane’s concern reflects a broader unease about the club’s strategy. United have already invested heavily this summer, bringing in Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko, while Paraguayan left-back Diego Leon arrived for a modest fee.
Now, with Brighton reportedly valuing Baleba north of £100 million—standard practice for the Seagulls when it comes to their prized assets—the Red Devils are at a crossroads. According to TEAMtalk, the board knows the deal would blow their budget, but they’re willing to take the risk and deal with the financial fallout later.
Fabrizio Romano adds another layer to the drama, revealing that United’s ability to fund the move hinges on player sales. Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, and Jadon Sancho are all reportedly on the chopping block, with their departures potentially unlocking the funds needed to make a serious bid.
But Brighton aren’t eager to part ways with Baleba. Head coach Fabian Hurzeler has made it clear the midfielder is happy, settled, and still very much part of his plans—despite a recent knee injury. “He only changed his hair!” Hurzeler joked. “He is enjoying being a Brighton player. He seems to be in a very good place.”
Baleba is even being considered to start in Brighton’s next match, a sign that the club isn’t preparing for a sudden exit.
For United, the clock is ticking. The summer window is winding down, and unless something dramatic shifts—either in their finances or Brighton’s stance—the dream of landing Baleba may remain just that: a dream.
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