Manchester United have set their sights on Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba as their next potential signing this summer.
Benjamin Sesko’s £66m move has pushed United’s total summer spend past £200 million, but there are no signs that Ineos are finished just yet.
United have made initial contact over Carlos Baleba, though Brighton are standing firm, saying they won’t consider letting the midfielder leave for at least another year.
United were expected to face financial constraints this window, with the club appearing close to their limits under the Profit and Sustainability Rules.
Ineos have found ways to stretch the budget so far, but if they want to push through a big-money move for Carlos Baleba, sales will be necessary first.
Alejandro Garnacho’s exit could open the door for the Carlos Baleba move
Baleba is valued at £100m by Brighton, a figure that United can’t reach without generating additional funds through player sales.
United don’t currently have the funds available to meet the Seagulls’ asking price, but player sales could change that situation.
Marcus Rashford’s loan move, the sole significant departure this summer, saved United £15m. However, Ineos are eager to accelerate deals for players like Alejandro Garnacho.
Of the four players not included in Amorim’s plans, Garnacho stands out as the one whose sale would have the biggest impact on Ineos’ plans.
Since Garnacho came through Carrington, any fee received for him would count as pure profit under financial regulations, giving United more room to work with financially.
Chelsea are still in talks with Manchester United over a deal for Alejandro Garnacho, who is valued at £40 million by his current club.
One way Man United could raise £100m for Carlos Baleba deal
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has said that personal terms with Baleba won’t be an issue. Therefore, the only thing Ineos have to figure out is how they’ll pay the £100 million price tag.
As previously explained by United in Focus, the club can still afford a big deal this summer, with much of it depending on Garnacho’s departure.
Current financial rules allow the cost of new signings to be spread over several years. Ineos used this approach with Cunha and Mbeumo and are expected to do the same for Baleba.
On the other hand, sales are counted immediately, so selling Garnacho would give United an instant £40m boost under PSR calculations.
Apart from Garnacho, United are open to offers for Rasmus Hojlund, and additional funds could come from moves involving Antony and Jadon Sancho.
It’s hard to say if that will be enough to cover a full move for Baleba this summer, but Ineos making enquiries with Brighton shows that they believe it is possible.
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