Manchester United raises the price to buy Brighton midfielder Baleba, transfer fee may exceed 100 million

According to well-known transfer reporter Fabricio Romano, Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba has agreed to join Manchester United in principle. The 21-year-old Cameroon international started 34 times last season, contributing 4 offensive data, and his defensive interception (2.3 per game) and aerial confrontation success rate (63%) were particularly outstanding. After Manchester United's first offer was rejected, the latest plan may include youth training player Toby Collier as a deal, but Brighton insists on a £105 million valuation - a figure that soars eight times higher than when it was introduced from Lille two years ago.

This potential transaction reflects the strategic game between the two clubs. Brighton continued the profit model of selling midfielders such as Bisuma and Kessedo, while Manchester United tried to transform the exhausted midfielder with a younger look - Casemiro's defensive data fell across the board last season, and the steal success rate dropped from 72% to 58% (Opta). It is worth noting that 77% of Baleba's pass choices are forward delivery, which is highly consistent with the fast conversion concept emphasized by the Manchester United coach.

After spending 200 million to sign Cunha, Mbemo and Sesco, if Manchester United takes Baleba again, it will complete the central axis replacement. But senior team reporter Laurie Whitville pointed out the risks in "Athletics Network": the discipline of this young midfielder still needs to be polished, and last season 11 yellow cards ranked third in the Premier League. As Chelsea also joins the competition, this arms race involving African stars is likely to reshape the valuation system of Premier League midfielders.