Liverpool, who were in contention for the Premier League title until the final stages of the season, have been buoyed by the midfielders they acquired last summer. Ryan Gravenberch, who had looked slow on the uptake, has recently improved and scored his first goal in the domestic league.
A new midfielder is not a priority for Liverpool ahead of next season. Stefan Bajcetic is also expected to return after a long spell out injured, and loan players such as Tyler Morton have shown outstanding performances.
Nevertheless, the media continues to report on the midfielders’ relationship with the club. According to CaughtOffiside, Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United are all interested in 20-year-old midfielder Carlos Baleba from Brighton.
In addition, it also reports that the transfer fee is believed to be around £55 million, and that teams in the south of England may be willing to listen to offers of the same amount or more.
The Cameroonian midfielder, who came to England from France last summer, has not been an absolute regular but is securing his place towards the end of the season. He has been starting more and more often and has been entrusted with the responsibility of the bottom of midfield.
As is typical of South American players, he has excellent athleticism and is willing to play a physical game. He is physical enough to cover the whole pitch and has solid footwork. He has the makings of a world-class player, so it is no surprise that the big clubs are looking at him.
However, he is still getting used to English football and it would be to his advantage to spend at least another year at Brighton.
At the moment, he is not someone that top clubs would want at all costs, but if he can showcase his talent, he could well be in contention for the next season and beyond.
Can the former Lille midfielder get a step up within the Premier League in the future?