Matt Smith is a football writer covering the Premier League and exclusive news for GIVEMESPORT. Matt joined the company in March 2023 and is an avid Everton supporter who regularly attends games in his spare time
He has previously worked for CaughtOffside where he covered world football including transfers, match reports, previews, and more.
He also creates tactical analysis social media content and regularly appears on podcasts. After spending a few years coaching, playing, and analysing football, Matt moved over to the writing side of the game a few years ago.
Matt also works in commentary and match reporting, providing detailed analysis on some of the biggest games in England and Europe, with his reports regularly published on the Premier League website.
He has amassed over 28,000 followers on X by giving his insight on football, predominantly focusing on the tactical side of the game.
Manchester United are now leading the race to sign Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, with both Liverpool and Tottenham falling behind, according to TEAMtalk.
Baleba has become one of the most in-demand midfielders of late, with the tough-tackling midfielder yet another player signed by Brighton before attracting interest from top Premier League clubs like United, Liverpool and Tottenham.
The Seagulls have a production line of talent that seems to be never-ending, and Baleba is one the most highly valued players in their squad as we head towards the summer transfer window.
United are prioritising a move to sign a new midfielder in the summer, with Baleba among a host of names who have been linked with a move to Old Trafford in the last few months.
Man Utd Leading Tottenham and Liverpool in Race
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Manchester United are winning the race to sign Brighton midfielder Baleba, with Tottenham and Liverpool both lagging behind.
The Red Devils have received a boost in their pursuit of the Cameroonian international, with the Seagulls softening their stance on allowing him to depart.
Despite previously demanding a fee in the region of £100m, his asking price has now been slashed to just £70m.
Baleba, described as ‘absolutely exceptional’ by Glenn Murray, is expected to head through the exit door in the summer, and it’s believed that they understand that they will struggle to receive a fee of £100m like they were previously hoping for.
Baleba Has Dropped Off This Season
When United were showing an interest in signing Baleba last summer, it made sense that Brighton were demanding in the region of £100m.
The 22-year-old was coming off the back of a phenomenal season with the Seagulls, and given the price they sold Moises Caicedo to Chelsea for, they clearly felt he was in the same bracket.
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This campaign, he’s failed to hit the same heights, so Brighton have accepted that they may need to lower their demands.
It’s still a significant fee that United would have to pay to secure his signature, but it could be a smart long-term investment given his age and potential.
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Posts 1 By Matt Smith How Much is Baleba Actually Worth?
GIVEMESPORT asked ChatGPT how much Brighton midfielder Baleba is actually worth in today’s market, given the Seagulls’ hefty price tags.
I’d estimate his current market value around £55m-£65m given age (21), Premier League experience and strong defensive output. His pressing, interceptions and ability to operate as a lone No.6 boost his profile relative to typical midfielders. He isn’t among the elite passers yet, which slightly caps the maximum fee clubs would pay now. Brighton’s recent transfer pricing trends suggest they would likely ask ~£65m-£75m rather than sell at market tag. If a club needed immediate midfield impact, I’d see his realistic transfer fee clearing ~£60m this summer.
