🚨BREAKING NEWS‼️ INEOS ‘Accelerate’ £130m Double Deal as Man Utd Target Baleba and Donnarumma
Manchester United’s new era under INEOS ownership is picking up serious momentum. Reports suggest that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS team are accelerating a £130 million double transfer swoop for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba and Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
The double pursuit underlines United’s determination to fix two key areas of the squad — midfield control and long-term stability in goal — while also sending a message to rivals Manchester City and others that Old Trafford is once again a destination for the world’s elite.
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The INEOS Effect: A More Aggressive Manchester United
Since INEOS took partial control of Manchester United earlier this year, transfer strategy has been noticeably more structured and ambitious. Instead of drawn-out sagas or panic buys, the new leadership has focused on identifying long-term targets, balancing financial fair play obligations, and pursuing deals that align with Erik ten Hag’s tactical vision.
Now, with pre-season underway, INEOS are moving quickly to secure two blockbuster names before the Premier League season kicks off.
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Target One: Carlos Baleba
Who Is Carlos Baleba?
At just 20 years old, Baleba has become one of the most exciting young midfielders in the Premier League. Signed by Brighton from Lille in 2023, the Cameroonian has showcased his athleticism, tackling prowess, and ability to carry the ball through the lines.
A natural defensive midfielder, Baleba thrives on breaking up play and driving his team forward — qualities United have sorely lacked.
Why United Want Him
United’s midfield was exposed throughout last season. Casemiro, once a reliable anchor, has struggled with age and injuries. While Kobbie Mainoo is a generational talent, he is still developing and cannot be tasked with shouldering the defensive load alone.
Baleba provides:
Energy and Tenacity: He covers ground relentlessly, closing spaces and disrupting opposition playmakers.
Ball Progression: His ability to carry the ball forward would relieve pressure on Mainoo and Fernandes.
Future Security: At 20, he represents a long-term solution for United’s midfield rebuild.
The Price Tag
Brighton are notorious for driving hard bargains. They are expected to demand £70 million+ for Baleba, echoing the fees received for Moisés Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister. However, United believe that by moving quickly, they can secure him before other suitors, including Manchester City, enter the race.
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Target Two: Gianluigi Donnarumma
The Superstar Goalkeeper
At 25, Gianluigi Donnarumma has already achieved more than most goalkeepers dream of. A European Championship winner with Italy and a Champions League regular with PSG, Donnarumma is widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in world football.
Standing at 6’5, his reflexes, shot-stopping, and command of the penalty area make him a nightmare for strikers.
Why United Want Him
United’s goalkeeper situation remains uncertain. Andre Onana arrived last summer to much fanfare, but his first season was riddled with inconsistency. While Onana’s distribution fits Ten Hag’s style, lapses in concentration and high-profile errors raised doubts over whether he can be trusted as the undisputed No.1.
Donnarumma offers:
Reliability: Proven ability at the highest levels of club and international football.
Longevity: At 25, he could dominate United’s goal for the next decade.
Authority: A presence that inspires confidence in defenders.
The Price Tag
PSG are believed to be open to selling Donnarumma for around £60 million, particularly as they seek to restructure under Luis Enrique. For United, it represents both a statement signing and a chance to finally secure a world-class goalkeeper in the mould of Peter Schmeichel and Edwin van der Sar.
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The £130 Million Package
Together, Baleba and Donnarumma would cost United in the region of £130 million. While significant, such an investment addresses two of the most glaring weaknesses in Ten Hag’s squad.
Midfield anchor: Baleba ensures United’s midfield is no longer overrun.
Elite goalkeeper: Donnarumma reduces costly errors and instils defensive confidence.
For INEOS, these deals are not just about short-term improvement; they are about long-term squad stability and re-establishing Manchester United as a genuine title contender.
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Why Baleba Should Snub Manchester City
Reports suggest Manchester City have also monitored Carlos Baleba as a potential future option. However, insiders argue that United is the better fit for his development.
Immediate Role: At City, Baleba would struggle for minutes behind Rodri, arguably the world’s best holding midfielder. At United, he would walk into the starting XI.
Development Path: Ten Hag has shown faith in young players like Mainoo and Garnacho. Baleba would get consistent opportunities to grow.
Club Identity: At United, he would become part of a rebuilding project, rather than just another squad option.
United’s pitch to Baleba is clear: be the anchor of a new dynasty rather than a rotation option at City.
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Tactical Implications
If these two signings are completed, United’s tactical setup would take on a new dimension:
Backline Protection: With Baleba shielding the defence, United’s centre-backs (Martínez, Varane, or new signings) would face fewer overloads.
Midfield Balance: Mainoo could focus on progression and creativity, while Fernandes would have more freedom in the final third.
Goalkeeping Stability: Donnarumma’s shot-stopping would reduce United’s vulnerability to long-range efforts and set pieces.
Such changes could transform United from a fragile, inconsistent side into a resilient, title-challenging team.
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Fan Reaction
News of the double swoop has set social media ablaze. United fans, long frustrated with scattergun recruitment, are thrilled by the ambition of targeting both a generational goalkeeper and one of Europe’s best young midfielders.
Comments range from excitement to cautious optimism:
“Finally, we’re acting like Manchester United again!”
“Baleba and Mainoo together could dominate for the next 10 years.”
“Donnarumma is exactly the kind of signing we’ve missed since Van der Sar retired.”
The mood around Old Trafford is shifting, with fans sensing that INEOS are serious about restoring the club to glory.
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Potential Hurdles
Of course, major transfers rarely happen without complications:
Brighton’s Demands: Negotiating with Brighton is never easy, and United must be prepared for protracted talks.
PSG Politics: Donnarumma’s future may depend on PSG’s other transfer activity. If they lose key players, they may resist selling.
Financial Fair Play: Spending £130m in one window must be balanced by sales. United may need to offload fringe players to comply with regulations.
Still, INEOS are determined to avoid the dithering that characterised previous regimes.
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Conclusion
Manchester United’s accelerated pursuit of Carlos Baleba and Gianluigi Donnarumma marks a bold new chapter in the club’s transfer strategy. At a combined cost of £130 million, the pair could address two critical weaknesses and lay the foundation for a more competitive, balanced team.
Baleba represents the future — a dynamic, fearless midfielder ready to grow into a Premier League star. Donnarumma, meanwhile, brings world-class quality and stability in goal. Together, they signal INEOS’ intent: Manchester United are no longer waiting to react. They are acting decisively to reclaim their place at the pinnacle of English football.
For United fans, this is more than just another rumour cycle. It is proof that the club’s leadership is finally aligned with ambition. The message is clear: the rebuild is accelerating — and Manchester United mean business.
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