Should Liverpool Target Brighton’s New Superstar…

When Liverpool signed Fabinho from Monaco in the summer of 2018, it was a response to the red’s Champions League final loss to Real Madrid. Despite Virgil van Dijk establishing himself as the world’s leading central defender in his first half season on Merseyside, there was still a lack of power and ball winning ability in the middle of the park.

A combination of the captain, Jordan Henderson, and the soon to be departed, Emre Can, had managed to undertake the duties of the defensive midfield position to a solid enough level, however, it was clear that an elite level enforcer was needed to bring a higher ceiling of defensive protection, that was needed to take the Anfield giants to the next level.

Not since the days of the Argentina legend, Javier Mascherano, had the club possessed a truly world class holding asset, therefore, in the days following the bitter disappointment of that Champions League defeat, the Sporting Director of that period, Michael Edwards, signed the Brazilian sensation, Fabinho, something which aided Liverpool’s ascent to becoming (briefly) the best footballing team on the planet.

What Is Needed Now?

The dramatic and dynamic altering regression of the 29-cap Brazil player, Fabinho, saw him sold on in the summer of 2023, following a legendary five-year stint under his illustrious German manager, Jürgen Klopp. The £40m that was once paid out to the Ligue 1 side, Monaco, was recouped with the players eventual sale to Saudi Pro League club, Ittihad. Even now, the Champions League and Premier League winner is just 31-years-old, which indicates the toll that was taken on the 6ft 2inch player when operating within his managers gegenpressing enterprise.

Though the new leadership at Anfield has created more control and coverage in key areas, the need for a specialist no.6 remains and the emergence of Ryan Gravenberch in the deeper role should be nothing more than a temporary measure.

In terms of those that could be considered as viable targets for the new LFC Sporting Director, Richard Hughes, the name that appears to have crept towards the top of the wanted list is that which could become very familiar with the Liverpool fanbase over the coming days. Carlos Baleba is the sensational young talent which has thrived since his move to Brighton in 2023, something which has alerted the reds recruitment team and seen a plethora of links surface in recent days.

Carlos Baleba

Club – Brighton & Hove Albion

Nationality – Cameroon

Age – 20-years-old DOB – 03/01/2004

Playing Positions – CDM / CM

Preferred Foot – Left

Height – 5ft 10inch

Weight – 77kg

Career Appearances – 83 games

Career Minutes – 4,019 minutes

Contract Expiry – June 30 2028

Transfermarkt Value – €22m

Projected Cost of Deal – €60m

The powerfully built left footed midfield dynamo, would immediately offer a balance and defensive intensity to this Liverpool team. With a desire to win the ball and progress play, the young player has already solidified himself under his new manager, Fabian Hürzeler. As the young teenager that once was signed from Lille (for a deal that could reds reach €30m), his purchase was one that allowed him to immediately replace the outgoing sensation, Moisés Caicedo.

As both Liverpool and Chelsea fought for the services of that £115m Ecuadorian sensation, the Seagulls analytical favouring owner, Tony Bloom, was already signing off on a sea for the next superstar on their own recruitment agenda. Ultimately, though it would take at least double the original outlay (by Brighton) to secure a deal for the 5-cap Cameroon international, it would be well worth the former Bournemouth Technical Director, Hughes, exploring the chances of a move, especially if that deal could be struck in the upcoming winter transfer window.

The next two games may be pivotal to getting the all-important nod from Liverpool’s head coach, Arne Slot, however, based upon the superb decisions that are continually undertaken at the south coast club, I fully expect that Michael Edwards and his team of analytical wizards will all come to the same conclusion, leading to an audacious attempt to get another young asset into their own ranks. Tenge legendary and departed former great, Fabinho, is yet to be replaced, which is something that could be rectified with the up-and-coming footballer, Carlos Baleba.