MANCHESTER UNITED fans have vowed to make some madcap life decisions if the club complete a stunning deal to sign Carlos Baleba.
Reports suggest Red Devils transfer chiefs have made contact with Brighton over the possibility of signing the 21-year-old.
Baleba is seen as one of the brightest talents of his age group, and as reported by L’Equipe in France, United are currently in pole position to sign the midfielder amid a host of interested parties.
In the CIES football observatory, Baleba is valued at up to £76million, though it is understood Brighton have no intention to sanction a sale for the rising star this summer, with Seagulls chief Paul Barber denying that an approach had been made at all.
Barber said: “There is always going to be interest in our players. Manchester United have not been in touch with me, speculation is speculation.
“Carlos is a fantastic talent and we hope he will be here for years to come. But it’s subject to the dynamics of the football world, which is not always predictable.”
Baleba’s contract at the Amex Stadium runs until 2028 – while there is also an option to extend for a further year.
United are on the hunt for a dynamic midfielder to go in Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-3 pivot after unconvincing displays by Manuel Ugarte in pre-season, with his display against Everton coming in fro particular scrutiny.
Baleba was one of the Premier League’s top ranked midfielders last season for tackles, blocks, interceptions and recoveries, while his progressive carries and forward passing numbers were also impressive.
And such is the fervour for United to sign Baleba – who exclusively told SunSport about his ambition to win the Ballon d’Or – that the thought of getting the deal over the line has seen some of the Red Devils faithful make some stunning promises.
One excited fan declared: “If we sign Baleba then I’m calling my first born child INEOS.”
A second said: “Throw the f***ing bank at him. Incur a lifetime transfer ban. Pull every credit facility necessary.
“Include the new stadium naming rights in the deal. Do anything and everything in your power to sign Carlos Baleba.”
A third said: “I swear, if we sign Baleba after signing Sesko, Mbeumo, and Cunha, then I’m driving down to Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s house and kissing his feet while apologising for all the bad things I’ve said about INEOS.”
Another said: “Get Baleba and it’s the best window since 2007.”
A fifth said: “Bro what the f*** were we gonna do if we got UCL???????”
A sixth said: “Nah the way United fans manifested this Baleba [move] through pure faith and blind optimism We are massive man.”
A seventh speculated: “[Kobbie] Mainoo-Baleba for the next decade genuinely sorts out the base of the team in every single facet in every single system/shape.”
These opinions come before a fan protest against Ineos chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe, organised by The 1958, ahead of United’s opening Premier League game against Arsenal on August 17.
Baleba made his international debut for Cameroon last year and has played in seven games for the Indomitable Lions so far.
And his high ambitions of winning football’s ultimate individual prize is sure to go down well with Man Utd fans and transfer chiefs as they look to bring the club back to its former glory.
He told SunSport in an exclusive interview: “Declan Rice, Matheus Cunha, Joelinton, they’ve all told me I’ve got it in me. I want to win the Ballon d’Or like Rodri.
“I watched him during the Euros and before his injury I played against him and time I got the ball, he was right in front of me.
“It was my first game against Manchester City, and it was very difficult. He made it so hard to dribble or pass. That showed his class.
“His success has opened the door for midfielders like us to believe we can win the Ballon d’Or someday… I can get to the very top of world football.
“But I need to stay focused, stay calm, not rush, and not let what people write get in my head. If I keep working hard, I can be like Luka Modric or Toni Kroos, I just need to stay grounded.”
Baleba’s journey to football stardom is nothing short of remarkable. He tragically lost his mother three years ago just as he got his breakthrough European move to French side Lille.
But he explained the pain of his loss drives him forwards to be the best version of himself.
Baleba continued: “It was very difficult for me because I didn’t see my mum. I wanted her next to me, but when I signed for Brighton, she wasn’t here.
“That’s why the first season was really hard. I thought about her a lot. But I vowed that I would be the best version of myself and go as far as I can in my career.”
His English is still a work in progress, but he’s proud of the steps he has taken to settle in, even if the British weather isn’t always his cup of tea.
He added: “I love it here, to be honest. My favourite English food is the English breakfast, if I’m allowed to say that! But the weather is the only issue, it changes all the time.”
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