‘Game-changing’ Liverpool transfer target READY to sign after EMBARRASSING Pep Guardiola

Liverpool's midfield has become one of their strengths this season.

After a couple of years of difficulty in the middle of the park, Arne Slot has come in and found the perfect solution with Ryan Gravenberch's emergence as one of the best midfielders in the world so far this season.

Players across the pitch have been showing great improvements since Slot joined the club, with Curtis Jones another who has taken his game to a new level in recent weeks.

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However, Liverpool's midfield depth is a weakness in the squad, with Wataru Endo and Tyler Morton the two natural replacements for Gravenberch if he were to get injured.

Endo is clearly not fancied by Slot, apart from as a late substitution to close out games, and Morton is yet to get a real chance in the side.

It means that Liverpool are on the lookout for a new talent - and one 'game-changing' midfielder could be ready to sign after dominating Pep Guardiola's Manchester City.

"Game-changing" Baleba is on fire

Brighton were 1-0 down at half-time of what was an uninspiring game against Manchester City on Saturday. The Seagulls struggled with City’s movement, especially in the middle of the pitch where Mateo Kovacic and Rico Lewis were able to find acres of space between the lines.

Enter Carlos Baleba.

The Cameroonian has been linked with a transfer to Liverpool before, and after his performance against City it’s easy to see why.

Baleba changed the game in Brighton's favour, grabbing control of midfield and giving his side a platform to attack as City took their foot off the gas.

In his 45 minutes on the pitch, Baleba completed 95% of his passes and 100% of his long-balls. But it was his physicality off the ball in helping his team recover possession that really stood out.

Described as "game-changing" by Sky Sports journalist Melissa Reddy on X, Baleba followed his stellar recent performance at Chelsea by showing that he can step up to City's level with ease.

Baleba to Liverpool?

Baleba signed for Brighton in 2023 from Lille for a reported £23.5 million; a hefty price tag for a young player. His debut Premier League stint wasn't brilliant in Roberto De Zerbi's farewell season, but he has stepped up to another level this year.

After failing to sign Martin Zubimendi in the summer, Slot and Sporting Director Richard Hughes will be aiming to reinforce the midfield in the near future.

Baleba's ability in the number 6 role and his dominating presence in the middle of the pitch will be of huge interest to Slot.

Liverpool have had mixed results when shopping at Brighton in recent years. Alexis Mac Allister has been a resounding success so far after his £35m transfer in 2023, but the Reds were left embarrassed when Moises Caicedo chose Chelsea and Stamford Bridge over Anfield.

If Baleba lives up to his promise, he could be the Seagulls' next big transfer sale - and his form in recent months shows he is ready for the step up to a side like Liverpool.

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