AliousLiverpool Eye Brighton’s Carlos Baleba but Face £100m Stalemate — Joao Gomes Also Slips Away**
Liverpool have identified Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba as a key summer target, but the club may be forced to explore alternative options due to Brighton’s hefty £100 million valuation.
According to former Manchester United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains closely connected within elite football circles, the Reds view the 21-year-old Cameroonian as a strong tactical fit for incoming manager Arne Slot’s system. Brown told *Football Insider* that Liverpool highly rate Baleba’s profile but are not willing to meet Brighton’s steep asking price.
Back in March, *Football Insider* first reported Liverpool’s interest in Baleba, though negotiations could prove challenging due to Brighton’s reluctance to sell for anything less than their valuation. Baleba has played a vital role under Brighton boss Fabian Hürzeler this season, further solidifying his importance to the squad.
Liverpool, on the other hand, are remaining financially disciplined. The club is keen to bolster its midfield but is determined not to be drawn into overpaying — even for players they admire. Brown reinforced this sentiment, stating that while Baleba is “very talented” and admired by Liverpool’s recruitment team, the club is not willing to go beyond what they deem reasonable.
“They really like him and see him as a great fit,” Brown explained. “But £100 million is too much. Brighton seem to be pricing him out of a move because they don’t want to let him go, and Liverpool simply won’t overpay.”
Liverpool’s midfield rebuild has become a top priority, especially after missing out on Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi last summer. However, the club is now facing another potential blow as Wolves’ Joao Gomes — also on Liverpool’s radar — appears to be off the market. Gomes recently signed a new five-year deal at Molineux on April 1, catching many by surprise. With teammate Matheus Cunha’s future also uncertain, Wolves are reluctant to part ways with both of their key players.
In summary, while Liverpool remain ambitious in their efforts to reinforce the midfield this summer, financial caution and inflated valuations could force them to rethink their targets — with Baleba and Gomes potentially slipping through their grasp.
Alious
