Liverpool Must Sign ‘Exceptional’ Premier League Midfielder in 2025 – Analysis | OneFootball

Can Carlos Baleba Make a Difference for Liverpool in 2025?

Liverpool fans are no strangers to midfield rebuilds, and the latest name on everyone’s lips is Carlos Baleba. The Brighton midfield

er has garnered attention, and the conversation on the Anfield Index Transfer Podcast, hosted by Dave Davis with stats expert Dr Phil Barter, dived deep into what makes Baleba an intriguing prospect for the Reds. But is he worth the likely hefty price tag that Tony Bloom and Brighton will demand?

Baleba’s Defensive Strengths Are Undeniable

Dr Phil Barter broke down Baleba’s defensive contributions in detail, highlighting his standout attributes. According to Barter, “We’re talking high 90s for blocks and interceptions. You want your number six blocking passing lanes rather than making tackles, and Baleba ticks that box.”

Barter emphasised that Liverpool need a defensively solid holding midfielder to provide a shield for the back four. “The key metric for me,” he explained, “is that he’s intercepting at a high rate while remaining on his feet. That shows he’s reading the game well.”

Liverpool’s current midfield options, particularly Gravenberch and Mac Allister, lack this defensive robustness. Baleba’s profile could offer much-needed balance in games where Liverpool need a more defensive midfield presence.

The Passing Numbers Raise Concerns

However, it’s not all rosy. A key question mark around Baleba is whether his passing game is refined enough for a team like Liverpool, who dominate possession. Barter pointed out that Baleba’s pass completion rate is solid at 88%, but his progressive passing metrics leave something to be desired.

Photo: IMAGO

“His progressive passes are in the 32nd percentile,” Barter noted. “That’s low for a player in Liverpool’s system, where possession and progressive play are essential. It’s something he’d need to improve if he came to Anfield.”

Barter further explained that Baleba tends to carry the ball rather than pass it forward. “He’s more like Gravenberch in that sense,” he said. “He’ll take a player on and carry the ball, rather than play a killer pass. But at Liverpool, we need our six to be more involved in recycling possession.”

The Brighton Factor: Negotiating with Tony Bloom

One of the biggest hurdles in signing Baleba will be negotiating with Brighton, a club known for their tough stance on player sales. Dr Phil Barter and Dave Davis both agreed that Brighton will demand a significant fee.

“We’ve seen it before with Caicedo and Mac Allister,” Davis noted. “Tony Bloom doesn’t let players leave cheaply. Baleba’s contract runs until 2028, and Brighton hold an option to extend that by another year. That essentially makes it a 2029 deal.”

Barter estimated that Brighton would likely ask for a fee north of £100 million. “It won’t be Caicedo-level at £115 million, but I don’t think it’ll be much below £100 million,” he predicted. “They’ll demand top dollar, and Liverpool will need to decide whether he’s worth that.”

Photo: IMAGO

Left-Footed Balance in Liverpool’s Midfield?

One potential advantage of signing Baleba is that he is left-footed, a rarity in Liverpool’s midfield. Davis pointed out that the Reds currently lack left-footed midfielders, which can impact the balance of play.

“Does the fact that he’s left-footed change things?” Davis asked. “We’ve been crying out for more balance in that regard.”

Barter agreed, suggesting that it could give Liverpool more options in terms of their passing game. “Yes, it could help. Left-footed players can open up different angles of attack. And while pro players are usually decent with both feet, having a natural left-footer could be useful in certain situations.”

Is Baleba Worth the Investment?

So, is Carlos Baleba the right man for Liverpool? Barter’s final assessment was cautiously optimistic. “There’s a lot to like about him,” he concluded. “His defensive stats are exceptional, and he’s shown improvement in his second season in the Premier League.”

However, the passing question remains. “For me, the biggest concern is whether he can adapt to the on-ball demands of a Liverpool number six,” Barter said. “If he can, then he’s a great option. If not, we could be looking at another player who struggles to fit into our system.”

Ultimately, the signing will come down to cost. As Barter put it, “With Brighton, it’s always about the price point. Liverpool will need to weigh up whether they’re getting enough value for the money Brighton will demand.”