Liverpool Targets Brighton's Carlos Baleba for Midfield

🔥 Liverpool's Summer Transfer Plans: Is Carlos Baleba the Missing Midfield Piece? 🏆

Liverpool's Midfield Evolution

Liverpool Football Club 🏆 has long been synonymous with dominant midfield play. From Steven Gerrard’s legendary leadership to Jordan Henderson’s tireless work rate, the club has relied on its engine room to dictate matches. However, recent seasons have shown the need for fresh energy, with stars like Fabinho and Henderson departing in 2023 and the 2024/25 season exposing gaps in depth.

⚽ Enter Carlos Baleba – the 21-year-old Brighton midfielder making waves in the Premier League. With Liverpool in pursuit, could he be the missing piece in the Reds’ title-chasing squad? Let’s dive deep into his profile, Liverpool’s midfield needs, and what this transfer could mean for both clubs.

🚀 Who is Carlos Baleba? A Rising Star in the Premier League

Born in Douala, Cameroon 🇨🇲, in 2004, Carlos Baleba’s football journey started in local academies before making the move to France. His professional breakthrough came at Lille, where he was regarded as one of Ligue 1’s top young midfielders. Brighton & Hove Albion snapped him up in 2023 for €27 million, and he has since flourished under Roberto De Zerbi’s tactical system.

🔹 Key Stats for Carlos Baleba (2024/25 Season So Far)

📊 Appearances: 25 (Premier League)

🎯 Goals: 3

🅰️ Assists: 2

📈 Pass Completion Rate: 87%

🏃‍♂️ Tackles Won: 61

🔥 Successful Dribbles: 38

🔄 Interceptions per Game: 2.7

Baleba has been a vital part of Brighton’s high-pressing, possession-based game. His ability to break up play, progress the ball, and drive forward makes him an attractive target for Liverpool.

🔴 Liverpool’s Midfield Dilemma & Why They Need Baleba

1️⃣ Recent Departures Left a Gap

Liverpool lost Fabinho, Henderson, Milner, Keïta, and Oxlade-Chamberlain in one summer transfer window (2023). Despite signing Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch, and Wataru Endo, they still lack a true defensive enforcer.

👉 Baleba’s defensive capabilities and ball-carrying skills could offer a long-term solution in Liverpool’s midfield.

2️⃣ Tactical Fit for Liverpool’s High-Intensity System

Arne Slot, the newly appointed manager, is expected to continue the club’s signature high-pressing, possession-heavy football.

💡 Baleba’s strengths that fit Liverpool’s system:

✅ Press-resistant dribbling 🏃‍♂️

✅ Quick ball recoveries & interceptions ⚡

✅ Physicality & stamina for box-to-box play 💪

✅ Progressive passing to unlock defenses 🎯

If Baleba joins, he could form a dynamic midfield trio alongside Mac Allister and Szoboszlai, offering a mix of defensive steel and attacking creativity.

💰 Brighton’s Transfer Stance: Will They Sell Baleba?

Brighton 🟢 is known for its brilliant transfer strategy – selling stars at massive profits while replacing them with top talents.

👀 Notable Brighton Sales in Recent Years:

🔹 Moises Caicedo → Chelsea (€116m, 2023)

🔹 Marc Cucurella → Chelsea (€65m, 2022)

🔹 Ben White → Arsenal (€58m, 2021)

🔹 Leandro Trossard → Arsenal (€27m, 2023)

Given Baleba’s potential, Brighton is expected to demand at least €60-70m for his transfer. This would make him one of the most expensive African midfielders in history.

🔄 Transfer Negotiations: How Close is the Deal?

While no formal bid has been made yet, Liverpool’s scouts have been tracking Baleba for months. Inside reports suggest that initial negotiations are underway.

Liverpool’s Expected Offer:

💰 Base Fee: €50m

💰 Add-Ons: €10-15m (based on appearances, trophies)

📅 Potential Transfer Date: Summer 2025

🚨 Competition from Other Clubs

Liverpool isn’t alone in the race. Manchester United and PSG are also monitoring Baleba, meaning Liverpool may have to act fast to secure the deal.

⚽ How Would Baleba Improve Liverpool’s Midfield?

🔍 1️⃣ Defensive Stability & Ball Recoveries

With Fabinho gone, Liverpool lacks a defensive midfield enforcer.

📊 Comparison: Defensive Midfielders (2024/25 Season Stats)

| Player | Tackles per 90 | Interceptions | Aerial Duels Won |

|--------|--------------|--------------|--------------|

| Carlos Baleba (Brighton) | 3.2 | 2.7 | 65% |

| Endo (Liverpool) | 2.1 | 1.9 | 60% |

| Declan Rice (Arsenal) | 3.0 | 2.5 | 62% |

Baleba would immediately strengthen Liverpool’s defensive structure, shielding the backline while allowing more attack-minded players to flourish.

🚀 2️⃣ Ball-Carrying Ability & Press Resistance

Liverpool struggled against high-pressing teams last season. Baleba, known for his dribbling and composure under pressure, would help break opposition presses.

💡 Successful Dribbles per Game (2024/25 Season):

⚡ Carlos Baleba – 1.8

⚡ Alexis Mac Allister – 1.2

⚡ Declan Rice – 1.1

Having a press-resistant midfielder like Baleba would give Liverpool a new weapon when building attacks from the back.

🤔 Possible Lineups with Carlos Baleba in Liverpool’s Squad

🔴 4-3-3 Formation (Traditional Liverpool System)

🧤 Alisson

🔙 Alexander-Arnold – Konaté – Van Dijk – Robertson

🔺 Carlos Baleba

🎩 Mac Allister – Szoboszlai

⚡ Salah – Nunez – Diaz

🔥 4-2-3-1 (Double Pivot System)

🧤 Alisson

🔙 Alexander-Arnold – Konaté – Van Dijk – Robertson

🎯 Carlos Baleba – Mac Allister

💡 Szoboszlai

⚡ Salah – Gakpo – Diaz

Baleba would give Liverpool tactical flexibility, allowing them to switch between formations seamlessly.

🔮 Final Verdict: Should Liverpool Sign Carlos Baleba?

✅ Pros of Signing Baleba:

✔️ Young (21) with massive potential 🌟

✔️ Strong defensive and ball-carrying skills 💪

✔️ Perfect fit for Liverpool’s pressing system 🔥

✔️ Could be a long-term replacement for Fabinho 👏

❌ Cons & Risks:

❗ Expensive (€60m+ fee)

❗ Needs time to adapt to Liverpool’s system

❗ Competition from Man United & PSG

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📌 What’s Your Take?

Should Liverpool go all in for Carlos Baleba, or is there a better midfield target? Drop your thoughts in the comments! 👇🔥