Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi wants to reunite with Brighton talent.
It looks set to be an incredibly busy summer ahead, given the start Tottenham Hotspur have made to the transfer window. They have reached verbal agreements with Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson, pending official confirmation, and are working to sign Savinho from Manchester City.
Spurs are also evaluating options to fortify their midfield department. Yves Bissouma is set to leave when his contract expires at the end of June, while Joao Palhinha has been attracting interest from his former club Sporting CP. Bissouma may not have featured much during the past campaign, but the Malian international’s exit will leave a gap in the squad that will need filling.
Recent reports suggest Roberto De Zerbi wants to reunite with Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba. Despite enduring an average 2025/26 campaign at the Amex Stadium, the African talent’s stock in the Premier League remains high. Manchester United are also keen on the player, having been priced out of a move by Brighton last year.
Tottenham could leapfrog Manchester United in the race to sign Carlos Baleba
According to former chief scout Mick Brown, Manchester United have cooled their interest in Carlos Baleba as they have other targets ahead in the midfield shortlist. As a result, he thinks Tottenham could have a free run at signing the Brighton star when the summer transfer window commences on June 15.
“I was disappointed by Baleba this season,” Mick Brown exclusively told Football Insider.
“The first time I saw him, I thought he was a really promising talent, and from what I’m told, there were clubs, including Man United, who thought the same. He’s still a talented player, don’t get me wrong, but his performances have dropped off massively, and I’m led to believe Man United’s interest is not as strong.
“Tottenham could be tempted to make a move, though, and if clubs are dropping out of the race, then it might give them a better opportunity. De Zerbi has worked with him before and might feel he can get the best out of him and get him back to playing at his top level again.
“They’re going to need to strengthen, Tottenham, and it’s going to be difficult because of the position they’re in, but if the manager can attract players, that will be a boost.”
Spurs must go all out for Carlos Baleba
Brown is not wrong in his assessment of Baleba’s situation. Indeed, Man United are closing in on the signing of Atalanta midfielder Ederson. Ideally, they would like to make two, or possibly three, signings in that area, depending on Manuel Ugarte’s exit. Next up on the Red Devils’ agenda is West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes.
As INEOS are focused on deals for Ederson and Fernandes, Tottenham have a great opportunity to pounce on Baleba. Brighton consider Baleba a crucial part of their plans, though they will struggle to reject big-money offers this summer. On the pitch, the 22-year-old does provide the profile Spurs need.
🚨 Manchester United’s interest in Carlos Baleba has significantly cooled despite the midfielder remaining highly rated at Old Trafford.
Brighton’s huge valuation is proving a major obstacle, with United now focusing on alternative midfield targets as they prepare for a major… pic.twitter.com/G8kJvDQfFW
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) May 30, 2026
The Cameroonian international is athletic, calm and composed under pressure, can recycle possession, drive with the ball and break up opposition’s play. He can make defence-splitting passes and chip in with crucial assists and goals. The Douala-born talent is still very young and possesses the potential to become one of the best midfielders in the Premier League.
De Zerbi knows Baleba well due to their previous working relationship at Brighton, so Spurs can trust our Italian tactician to get the best out of the midfield powerhouse.