Newcastle United are exploring a move for Carlos Baleba as they attempt to reshape their midfield before the Premier League season begins, with talkSPORT reporting that Brighton’s 22-year-old is firmly on the club’s radar.
It has been a bruising summer at St James’ Park. Bruno Guimaraes has gone, Sandro Tonali has also departed, and Matthias Jaissle has inherited a squad that suddenly looks light in one of the most important areas of the pitch. Recruitment has brought in youth, namely Aladji Bamba and Sean Steur, but the sense around Newcastle is that experience is now required, and quickly.
Baleba fits much of that brief. He already has 92 Premier League appearances for Brighton, and his blend of athleticism, ball-winning and progression makes him one of the more intriguing midfielders available in the market. The timing may also suit Newcastle. Manchester United had tracked him for some time, but their move for Andrey Santos appears to have changed the picture.
As reported, “Carlos Beleba is a player attracting admiring glances from for Magpies,” and there is a belief that Newcastle are now well placed to test Brighton’s resolve. There is, however, little expectation that this would be straightforward. “Manchester United have been keen on Baleba for the last couple of transfer windows and at the moment it doesn’t look like they are going to pursue that interest this time around.”
Photo IMAGO
The financial backdrop matters here. “Obviously, Newcastle have lost both of their starting midfielders Sandro Tonali to Spurs for £100m and Bruno Guimaraes to Arsenal for a guaranteed £75m.” That gives Newcastle room to act, even if Brighton are renowned for standing firm in negotiations. As was put succinctly, “They do have money to spend.” Yet the warning attached to that is equally significant, “Brighton will be tough negotiators though.”
Perhaps the most interesting detail concerns valuation. “There’s talk in the north east that…
..
