Their answer to Caicedo: £87m “monster” keen on signing for Man Utd
Manchester United fans have needed to get used to cagey press conferences from Ruben Amorim over his unsuccessful tenure so far.
Although United are somewhat in a fight for European football, they have underwhelmed once again this term under the Portuguese manager.
Well, once more, he made some interesting statements in his most recent pre-match press conference, which has led to a lack of clarity surrounding future transfers. When asked about the size of the budget heading into the January transfer window and beyond, Amorim said “I don’t want to talk about that,” avoiding the issue altogether.
His comments after the 1-1 draw at Leeds were perhaps even more perplexing.
Whatever the case, the Red Devils are linked with new midfielders who could improve Amoirm’s squad and his chances of succeeding at the club.
Man United target Premier League midfielder
There has been no shortage of links for United looking to sign a new midfielder. Two of the names that continuously crop up are England duo Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton. They could each cost upwards of £100m to sign.
Instead, United may look at an alternative option from within the Premier League.
According to a report from TEAMtalk, the ‘dream target’ for the Red Devils is still Brighton and Hove Albion star Carlos Baleba, who is said to be ‘open to a switch’ to Old Trafford.
However, United are not alone in the hunt for Baleba’s signature. The Cameroon international has also drawn keen interest from Liverpool, with Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City also ‘admirers.’ As for a fee, the 22-year-old could reportedly cost as much as £87m, slightly cheaper than United’s other options.
What Baleba could bring to United's midfield
It has certainly been a bit of an up-and-down campaign for Baleba. He has, at times, not looked at his best, but his recent form at AFCON with Cameroon and his performances last season highlight why United are willing to pay such a huge fee.
This term, the former Lille star has played 16 times in the Premier League, only notching up 903 minutes. That leaves him with an average of ten full 90-minute games. He has certainly not been at his best, perhaps reflected in fewer minutes than you may expect.
However, that should not be too much of a concern for the Red Devils. At his very best, of which he has shown glimmers this season, Baleba is a “monster” according to football scout Antonio Mango. He also offers a threat going forward and is prone to a spectacular goal, like this one against West Ham United.
United certainly need a profile like Baleba in midfield; that is to say, a defensively dominant midfielder who offers progression going forward. In that sense, this deal could be the Red Devils’ own version of when Chelsea signed Moises Caicedo back in 2023 from the Seagulls.
The Ecuadorian star has been brilliant for Chelsea, described as “one of the best in the world” in his position by teammate Robert Sanchez.
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There are obvious similarities between the pair, not least because of their Brighton connection. Caicedo is also known to score a spectacular goal from range, too.
However, the likeness goes further than that. According to FBref’s similar players tool, they were noted as two of the most similar players to each other in the Premier League last season, with their underlying numbers comparable. For example, Baleba averaged 4.2 tackles and interceptions per 90 minutes compared to Caicedo’s 4.38.
Baleba & Caicedo key stats 24/25 PL
Stat (per 90)
Baleba
Caicedo
Key passes
0.71
0.81
Progressive passes
3.99
5.78
Progressive carries
1.45
1.16
Ball recoveries
6.66
6.16
Tackles and interceptions
4.2
4.38
Stats from FBref
This is a profile of midifelder that would quickly enhance United’s side. To have someone who is so efficient off the ball, as the numbers show, yet also offering a progressive outlet at the base of the midfield, would be key for Amorim.
Of course, £87m is a huge investment, but for United to bring their own Caicedo to the club would be a huge addition and go a long way to improving their fortunes.
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