Rio Ferdinand has strongly advocated for Manchester United to prioritize the acquisition of Brighton’s highly-touted midfielder, Carlos Baleba, suggesting his potential surpasses that of current target Benjamin Sesko and could even lead to a Ballon d’Or win.

Ferdinand’s assessment, shared on his influential platform, highlights Baleba as an “Amorim-type player” possessing exceptional physical attributes, the ability to drive with the ball, and tactical acumen, making him an ideal fit for Manchester United’s midfield needs. This endorsement places significant emphasis on strengthening the engine room rather than solely focusing on attacking reinforcements.

Adding further intrigue, Baleba himself harbors lofty aspirations, including the coveted Ballon d’Or. He openly revealed his ambitions, citing encouragement from football luminaries and, notably, fellow Premier League player Matheus Cunha, who sees immense potential in the young midfielder.

A key inspiration for Baleba’s midfield prowess and ambitions is Manchester City’s formidable Rodri. Baleba recounted a challenging encounter where Rodri’s defensive mastery made it exceptionally difficult to dribble or pass, a testament to the Spaniard’s elite class and influence on the field.

Rodri’s success, particularly his ability to secure top individual accolades, has, according to Baleba, “opened the door for midfielders like us to believe we can win the Ballon d’Or someday.” This perspective underscores a shifting narrative in football, where defensive midfielders are increasingly recognized for their critical role and potential for global acclaim.

Ferdinand’s impassioned plea for Baleba over Benjamin Sesko suggests a strategic pivot for Manchester United. He questions the value of an unproven young striker when a Premier League-experienced midfielder like Baleba could offer immediate and profound impact, freeing up other players in the midfield area defensively due to his all-action style.

While Ferdinand champions Baleba, Manchester United’s current transfer focus appears to be on Benjamin Sesko, viewing him as a more attainable target than Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins. This highlights a potential divergence between expert advice and the club’s perceived priorities in the transfer market, creating an intriguing dilemma for the Old Trafford hierarchy.

Complicating matters further, reports regarding Sesko’s preferred destination are mixed. Initially, United were thought to be his favored choice, but recent indications from his home country suggest a preference for other clubs, including those who have made significant bids for players like Alexander Isak, adding another layer of uncertainty to United’s attacking pursuits.