Keane warns on Baleba price tag

Man United weigh a potential move for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba as Roy Keane questions the price amid a busy transfer window

Keane warns against Baleba price tag for United

Manchester United remain in the market for a midfielder as the transfer window closes, with Brighton and Hove Albion's Carlos Baleba emerging as a top target. Roy Keane has warned against paying a nine figure fee for the Cameroonian talent, arguing that price does not yet match proven results. Baleba, 21, has made 77 appearances for Brighton since joining from Lille in 2023, but his top flight track record is still limited. United have already spent a substantial sum this summer, and a 100 million pound bid would test the club's budget and long term planning. The question for United is whether Baleba represents a safe investment or a risky gamble given his age and the rate at which he has developed.

Baleba's appeal lies in his versatility in the engine room, but transfer market dynamics mean clubs often pay a premium for potential. The decision will hinge on Baleba's progression in the final weeks of the window and how United balance short term needs against long term strategy.

This case highlights how big clubs chase young talent in a crowded market. The price tag attached to Baleba mirrors a trend where potential can outpace proven performance, forcing clubs to weigh short term needs against future value. Roy Keane's cautions reflect a broader debate about whether clubs should bet on high ceiling players at top prices or pursue safer options with immediate impact. The outcome could set a precedent for how United and others value midfield profiles in a season that will test their depth.

Highlights

The window still has weeks to run and many moves are still on the table