Is a Brighton midfielder the solution to Manchester City’s midfield issues? | OneFootball

Manchester City’s need to sign at least one midfielder in the January transfer window is well-documented. It was clear to see what type of player Pep Guardiola’s side needs during their 4-1 win over West Ham on Saturday. The world champions lack a strong, powerful midfielder who can break up play and get back defensively. Now a new name has emerged as a potential transfer target for Manchester City. That is Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba. On paper, at least, he would immediately add what City’s midfield lacks.

Spanish publication Fichajes has reported that Carlos Baleba is looming as a potential target for Manchester City. Furthermore, the Fichajes report states that Baleba’s obvious talent and potential have caught the eye of the world champions. Lastly, it is also reported by Fichajes that the fact that the Brighton midfielder has Premier League experience means he is looming as a potential player that City could look to sign this month.

Carlos Baleba would add strength and power to Manchester City’s midfield and it’s those attributes that they currently lack.

Since arriving at Brighton from Lille Carlos Baleba has emerged as one of the most promising young midfielders in the Premier League. The 21-year-old Cameroonian international has impressed for Brighton this season. He has thrived in the heart of their midfield. His biggest assets to his play appear to be ideally suited to a role in Manchester City’s midfield.

Baleba is a strong and physical midfielder. He is also gifted technically and has an eye for a goal. This season he has made 19 appearances in all competitions for Brighton. He has added 3 goals and 2 assists in those games. But his physicality and mobility stand out when he plays. These attributes would make him an ideal addition to Manchester City’s midfield if they did pursue a move for the Brighton midfielder.

But given that he is only 21 there are holes in Baleba’s game. His defensive positioning isn’t yet elite and he does suffer from lapses in concentration. But the Cameroonian international is a young player, and with his physical gifts and technical ability, those flaws in his game are easily fixed. But the question would be if City did pursue a move for Baleba: Would Brighton sell in January? A report from Andy Naylor for The Athletic suggests that they are unlikely to do so this month.

Carlos Baleba is the latest midfielder to be named as a potential target for Manchester City. On paper the Brighton midfielder would add what’s City’s midfield desperately needs. But Brighton are traditionally tough negotiators in the transfer market and don’t appear to be eager to sell Baleba. So whether or not City do move for Carlos Baleba this month remains to be seen.