Expert: Liverpool join Man United in race to sign £100m+ star
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(Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media, Getty Images)
Callum O'Connell
Thu 25 September 2025 18:00, UK
Liverpool are planning to rival Man United in their pursuit of a new midfielder who could cost as much as £100million in the 2026 transfer windows.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that Arne Slot is planning to further strengthen his squad in the transfer window.
As a result, Liverpool have joined the race to sign Brighton star Carlos Baleba and have sent scouts to keep tabs on his performances at the Amex.
The Reds are set to hold internal discussions about whether to make a move for the 21-year-old, while Man United remain keen to sign Baleba.
However, Football Insider revealed on 16 August that Baleba’s price tag could exceed £100million next summer with Brighton reluctant to let him leave.
Credit: Imago
Football Insider revealed in March that Liverpool are keeping tabs on Baleba, but Brighton were reluctant to entertain offers, making any potential negotiations difficult.
Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, has explained that the Reds are still keeping tabs on the midfielder to see how he reacts to speculation about his future.
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“Liverpool are one club I’ve heard are looking at Baleba,” he told Football Insider.
“When a player builds a positive reputation like the one he has built, and after that interest from Man United, Liverpool are always going to be interested.
“Now, they’re sending scouts to follow him and build a profile on him to determine whether he’s the right player to strengthen their squad.
“When the January window opens, there’ll be discussions about whether that’s the right time to make a move or whether it might be more likely next summer.
“But these discussions are being held behind the scenes because he’s somebody they’ve identified as a real talent and somebody who could improve them.
Credit: Imago
“He’ll need to keep proving that, he can’t afford to let the interest go to his head and cause his performances to drop off, because that’s what they’re looking at.
“If he continues to prove he could be somebody who is good enough to strengthen their midfield, then he could be one they make a move for next year.”
The ongoing speculation surrounding Baleba’s future is believed to have impacted his performances, but if he can get back to his best, there will be no shortage of interest.
Football Insider revealed on 23 September that Baleba has had his head turned by Man United after they attempted to sign him in the summer.
Fabian Hurzeler seemed to confirm these suggestions after Brighton’s 2-2 draw with Tottenham, in which Baleba was subbed at half-time, saying his midfielder “might have been affected” by United’s interest.
[The Independent]
However, United are no longer alone in their pursuit, with Liverpool’s interest providing an alternative option for the Brighton star to make that step up.
Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media
Baleba’s close family have visited Liverpool and Man United amid the ongoing speculation and were reportedly impressed by the setup at Anfield.
Meanwhile, Rio Ferdinand has backed Man United to sell Bruno Fernandes and reinvest the money in either Baleba as the race for his signature hots up.
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