Manchester United’s transfer window has been a success to date, with Ruben Amorim already addressing worrying issues in one area of his first-team squad.
The attacking department has been in desperate need of an overhaul this summer, especially after the Red Devils only managed to net 44 Premier League goals throughout 2024/25.
Players such as Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have all completed their respective moves to Old Trafford – costing a staggering £200m in the process.
The trio netted 48 league goals between them last campaign at their various clubs, undoubtedly providing the manager with the added threat he’s craved since taking the reins last November.
However, despite the big-money additions in forward areas, the 40-year-old has already signalled his intent to bolster his midfield – subsequently turning his attention to Brighton’s Carlos Baleba.
Man Utd’s move to land Carlos Baleba this summer
Over the last couple of weeks, United have made their ambitions of landing the Cameroonian known, even entering talks with the player’s representatives over a move to join the Red Devils.
However, at one stage, it appeared a deal could be completed for the 21-year-old defensive midfielder, leading to reports suggesting the talent was keen on a move to join Amorim’s men.
Despite the talks, any deal would’ve been an expensive one, with the Seagulls demanding a fee in the region of £100m to offload Baleba – a deal that would’ve been a club-record for United.
As a result of the interest, Brighton boss Fabian Hürzeler was quizzed about the youngster’s future, stating that he was ‘very, very, very confident’ that the former Lille star would remain at the AMEX beyond the end of the summer window.
It’s now been confirmed by The Athletic that Amorim’s side are prepared to walk away from a move and have subsequently prepared a shortlist of alternatives before the September 1st deadline.
Man Utd’s Baleba alternatives this window
Valencia star Javi Guerra has been strongly linked with a move to join United over recent months, even agreeing personal terms to move to the Theatre of Dreams earlier this summer.
Like Baleba, a deal for the Spaniard now could be unlikely in the next couple of weeks, after the 22-year-old penned a new deal until 2029 at the LaLiga outfit.
However, another name has entered the mix over recent days, which has seen Stuttgart star Angelo Stiller being touted as another option to bolster the midfield department, according to one Spanish outlet.
They claim the Red Devils hierarchy are closely monitoring the German star, who made a total of 47 appearances across all competitions throughout 2024/25.
It also states that a move could be made for the 24-year-old, with a €60m (£50m) price tag previously being mooted for his signature in recent months.
Why United’s £50m target would be the perfect Baleba alternative
There’s no denying that, given his Premier League experience, Baleba would have been many of the United fanbase’s first choice for the midfield department this window.
He is undoubtedly a top-level talent, with bags of potential given his tender age of just 21, but given the funds spent elsewhere – the £100m asking price may be a tad too much this summer.
However, a move for Stiller instead of Baleba could prove to be a blessing in disguise, with the German a player who can make a greater impact on the current first-team squad.
When comparing his stats to those of the Cameroonian from 2024/25, he managed to massively outperform him in multiple key areas – offering Amorim a key presence at both ends of the pitch.
Stiller, who’s been labelled “exceptional” by analyst Ben Mattinson, ranked in FBref’s 97th percentile for progressive passes made (9.5), along with the 95th percentile for passes into the final third (8.9).
Games played
32
34
Goals & assists
9
4
Progressive passes made
9.5
3.9
Pass accuracy
88%
87%
Passes into final third
8.9
3.6
Interceptions made
1.8
1.5
Clearances made
1.6
1.4
Take-on success
67%
57%
Both figures were nearly three times higher than those of Baleba, subsequently highlighting his talent on the ball, which could provide the new attacking trio ahead of him with countless chances in front of goal.
Whilst the German is primarily a ball-player, he’s also highlighted his ability without the ball, which could make him a viable option in the Red Devils’ hunt for a new number eight.
The Stuttgart talent posted tallies of 1.8 interceptions and 1.6 clearances made per 90 – both figures which once again were higher than those produced by the £100m target.
Such numbers have contributed to his mammoth rise back in his homeland, helping him make four senior appearances for his national team during the most recent season.
However, a move to Old Trafford could be the perfect platform for the 24-year-old to continue his excellent rise to stardom, arguably being the missing piece in Amorim’s midfield.
At half the price of Baleba, he would be a sensational pick-up by the hierarchy, completing another crucial department in the club’s hunt to return to Premier League glory.