Cameroonian football has never been short of quality players over the last four decades, as stars like Roger Miller, François Omam-Biyik, Joseph-Antoine Bell, Thomas N’Kono, Samuel Eto’o, Jeremi N’jitap, Patrick M’Boma, Rigobert Song, among many other superstars, have made a good name for themselves and their nation.
In recent years, players like Vincent Aboubakar, Andre Onana, and Bryan Mbeumo have been lifting the flag of the Central African nation high in the world of football, with many more set to follow.
The next big thing to remember is that Brighton & Hove Albion’s 21-year-old midfielder Carlos Baleba is now a subject of a huge interest from English giants Manchester United.
Former Red Devils’ midfielder who played for the club between 2003-2005 under the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson has given his approval for the deal and believes the strong Cameroonian connection at Old Trafford, including new signing Mbeumo and goalkeeper Andre Onana, will help sway the player to Old Trafford, calling it a “masterstroke”.
Eric Djemba Djemba on Baleba
“Baleba is currently among the top defensive and box-to-box midfielders in the Premier League, and joining Manchester United wouldn’t surprise me at all,” he told Africa Foot.
‘It would be a masterstroke of a deal for both the player and Manchester United.
‘He’s a massive passer and a shield to the backline, but also great going upfront, which is what Ruben Amorim desires.
‘Baleba would also improve his game by working on a project under a whole new rebuild.
‘For me, that would only spell good news for Cameroon, to be honest.
‘The only negative about this deal is that Brighton would be losing a massive asset.
‘He’s such a beast, yet he also can pass at range and shoot.”
What are Brighton & Hove Albion’s stands now?
The Seagulls, according to multiple reports from the UK, have rejected Manchester United’s opening bid, which included a cash offer and a player deal.
The club have made it clear that they will not sell the youngster, but Baleba and his camp feel the deal can go through only if Manchester United can meet Brighton’s valuation of 115 million pounds.
Noom Baleba joined Brighton & Hove Albion in the summer of 2025 after being scouted as one of the brightest talents in French football at LOSC Lille.
The Seagulls paid €27 million to Lille for his signature and agreed on a maximum of €3 million add-ons depending on sporting conditions and a 15% sell-on clause.
Baleba’s qualities
The Cameroonian is a box-to-box midfielder who can also play as a holding midfielder.
He has immense stamina, dribbles so well, and passes the ball with pinpoint accuracy.
Brighton & Hove Albion’s demand
It is rumoured that the Seagulls will demand around the same amount they sold Ecuadorian midfielder Moses Caicedo to Chelsea two seasons ago.
The Blues paid an astonishing 115 million pounds for his signature.
Transfermarkt values Baleba at around 40 million euros, but they will demand nearly three times Baleba’s value.
