Liverpool are gearing up for a blockbuster summer transfer window, with reports suggesting that they could splash out up to €250 million on new signings. However, their ambitions hinge significantly on Brighton’s willingness to negotiate over their prized midfielder, Carlos Baleba. According to an exclusive from GivemeSport reporters Danny Rust and Dean Jones, Liverpool are determined to beat Manchester City in the race to sign the highly-rated 21-year-old, but it would require an offer of at least €115 million to even enter discussions.
The Battle for Baleba
GMS further reported, Brighton are resolute in their stance that they will not entertain offers for Baliba this summer, preferring to keep the midfield powerhouse for at least another season. Yet, this has not deterred interest from top clubs, with Liverpool and Manchester City both monitoring the situation closely.
Liverpool’s recruitment team is keen to bolster Arne Slot’s squad with five new signings this summer, and Baleba is high on their wishlist. Their interest in the Cameroon international follows earlier inquiries in early 2025, but with his current contract running for over three years at a modest weekly wage of €12,500, Brighton hold a strong negotiating position.
GMS Sources reported that Manchester City previously explored the possibility of signing Baleba through intermediaries but were discouraged by Brighton’s firm stance. Nevertheless, Liverpool are not backing down and may still attempt to meet Brighton’s steep valuation.
Five Summer Signings?
WingplayWP, a transfer insider on X, reported in February that Liverpool have allocated a €250 million budget for their summer reinforcements. GivemeSport’s Danny Rust and Dean Jones exclusive also further confirmed that Baleba could be one of five new faces at Anfield amongst 5 new recruits for the summer. Alongside Baleba, WP’s exclusive hints that Alexander Isak and another target, Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth, are on Liverpool’s radar.
Renowned journalist David Ornstein also weighed in on Liverpool’s summer plans during a Q&A session with The Athletic, where he confirmed that Newcastle’s Alexander Isak is indeed a target and that Newcastle would want an astronomical 150 million pounds. When asked about Liverpool’s potential attacking signings, Ornstein stated:
“They will obviously have multiple options on their radar, but the only name I have personally heard so far, which others have already reported, is Alexander Isak. Liverpool aren’t alone in their liking for the Swede; we know Mikel Arteta wants to sign him; Chelsea and Barcelona are also interested.”
This raises an interesting dilemma—if Liverpool were to spend €115 million on Baleba and another €150 million on Isak, they would already exceed their reported €250 million budget. This suggests that some strategic negotiations or adjustments may be needed to fit all five expected signings within the available funds.
Arne Slot’s Transfer Strategy
Liverpool’s new manager, Arne Slot, provided some insights into the club’s approach to summer recruitment in an interview with Liverpool.com reported by Caughtoffside he stated,
“We are looking at every single position and we are looking at the team. We said this many times last summer. We didn’t do a lot because we, Richard Hughes [Liverpool’s sporting director], me, and all other people involved just wanted to know how these players were working with me, the different manager. Now, we have a very good idea about that. And I think it’s clear to you that I’m not going to tell you which positions we prefer. But it is clear that we’ve assessed this squad, we’ve assessed where we think we can improve, and that’s where we will try to go for in the summer.”
With uncertainty surrounding the futures of Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, and Trent Alexander-Arnold—each potentially leaving on free transfers—Liverpool’s approach could depend heavily on these contract situations. If they fail to secure extensions, the club may need to redirect funds toward replacing these key players instead of focusing entirely on new signings.
Fan Reactions to the Baleba Pursuit
The speculation surrounding Baleba’s price tag has sparked a lively debate among fans:
- One fan remarked: “Even half of that would be too much.”
- Another joked: “Another scam for scam gulls—Brighton are known for seagulls.”
- A Brighton fan was optimistic: “If we get Europe, give him a new deal, make him the highest-paid player, then sell after next season.”
- Meanwhile, another Brighton supporter demanded: “Give us the €115 million or don’t even bother—€140 million sounds better.”
WingplayWP’s exclusive report on Liverpool’s €250 million spending plans also drew mixed reactions:
- One fan skeptically said: “Okay, so the 2025-26 transfer window is done—no new signings then?”
- Another fan speculated: “It actually makes sense for once to play it safe this window. With three contracts unresolved, Liverpool might have to replace them instead of spending wildly.”
The Road Ahead
As the summer transfer window approaches, Liverpool’s ability to land Baleba and their other targets will largely depend on Brighton’s stance, player contract situations, and the club’s willingness to negotiate fees strategically. With Manchester City also in the mix, the Reds face an uphill battle to secure their desired recruits while staying within budget.
Liverpool fans can expect an eventful summer filled with high-stakes negotiations and potentially game-changing signings. Whether they can pull off their ambitious plans without breaking the bank remains to be seen.
