Liverpool’s dominance in the 2024/25 season is all the more impressive considering their lack of recent transfer activity. The Reds only signed Federico Chiesa on loan in the 2024 summer window and Giorgio Mamardashvili from Valencia – only for him to arrive in 2025. They refused to sign anybody in the winter window.
As a result of this inactivity, there is an expectation that they’ll invest heavily in signing multiple players in the 2025 summer window. One player that they are being strongly linked to is Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba.
Talksport claimed earlier this year that the 21-year-old midfielder is a long-standing target for Arne Slot’s side. This comes after the Reds roped in Alex Mac Allister from Brighton in 2023. Liverpool are reportedly ready to beat rivals Manchester City for Baleba’s signing in the summer window.
The Cameroonian midfielder has also been urged to join Liverpool, with ex-Cameroon international Bernard Tchoutang claiming that it’d be an ideal destination for him. Tchoutang told Afrofoot: “For me, Liverpool is the club that would suit him best.
“And I’m not just saying that because they’re by far the best team in the Premier League this season and one of the strongest in Europe. Arne Slot’s system of play would suit him very well. The Reds like to attack, press and make quick transitions. We also know that this is a club that knows how to trust young players and give them responsibility.”
Baleba has been an efficient, proactive pillar in Brighton’s midfield this season. He has two goals and one assist in 23 Premier League games. He has made 54 tackles, won 139 duels and made 128 possession recoveries.
Not only is he defensively strong, but Baleba is slick with the ball. He has the third best dribble success rate (58.5%) in the Premier League this season. He’s the complete package in midfield, which is probably why he can be an ideal addition to the Liverpool midfield core. However, there could be a stinger in his price tag.
The Guardian have already reported that the Seagulls might demand over £115 million to sell him. That means Liverpool will have to negotiate the deal perfectly to add the 21-year-old to their team anytime soon.
