Liverpool submit ‘significant offer’ to sign Barcelona star ‘in January’ as Chelsea ‘making’ Guehi bid

Liverpool and Manchester United are two clubs that have never needed much of a reason to go head-to-head. The rivalry is one of the most bitter in world football, a clash of history, culture, pride, and ambition. But when that rivalry spills into the transfer market, when both clubs set their sights on the same rising star, the intensity multiplies. And that is exactly what is happening right now with Carlos Baleba, Brighton & Hove Albion’s powerful young midfielder.

This is not just another transfer rumor. This is the start of a battle that could shake the Premier League in January.

Baleba’s journey to this moment has been anything but ordinary. Born in Cameroon, he grew up far from the spotlight of European football. His rise came through grit, determination, and an unshakable belief in his own ability. When LOSC Lille picked him up as a teenager, many outside of France had no idea who he was. But scouts knew. They saw a player with strength, with intelligence, with the kind of raw physical and technical gifts that can’t be taught. Brighton’s recruitment team saw it too, and when they lost Moisés Caicedo to Chelsea, they moved quickly to bring Baleba to the Premier League.

At first, it wasn’t easy. The pace of English football is unforgiving. Baleba needed time to adapt. There were questions about whether he could handle the intensity, whether he had the consistency to thrive. But slowly, match by match, he began to show exactly why Brighton had put their faith in him. Last season, he exploded into form. He dominated midfields, breaking up attacks with ruthless tackles, carrying the ball with power, and driving Brighton forward with confidence. By the end of the campaign, he wasn’t just another young talent – he was one of the Premier League’s most talked-about midfielders.

Manchester United noticed. They made their move this summer, testing Brighton’s resolve. Talks were held, meetings took place, but in the end, Brighton stood firm. They refused to sell. Fabian Hürzeler, Brighton’s young coach, was clear: Baleba was too important, too central to his plans. For United, it was a bitter blow. They wanted him, badly. But the deal collapsed, and Baleba stayed at the Amex.

Now, the story has taken another dramatic twist. Because Liverpool have entered the race. Not just quietly, not just watching from a distance, but actively preparing to challenge United head-on. Reports say the Reds are ready to battle for him in January, ready to put serious money on the table.