Tim Sherwood believes that Osman Baleba is not yet a player capable of "changing the game." If it were up to him, Manchester United should prioritize signing Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Walton.
Manchester United are reportedly close to signing Brighton midfielder Rafael Baleba. The Red Devils submitted a bid of up to £65 million for the 22-year-old Cameroonian international on Wednesday.
Manchester United attempted to sign Baleba last summer, even reaching personal terms with the player, but the deal ultimately fell through due to Brighton's high asking price. With Baleba's performance declining last season, Brighton now seems to have lowered their valuation of him, and the transfer rumors are believed to have affected his form.
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick is looking to strengthen the midfield this summer, with Baleba expected to compete with or form a new midfield partnership with players like Andre Santos and Tielemans.
Sherwood acknowledged Baleba's ability, but also said he was "very surprised" that Manchester United did not pursue Adam Walton.
When asked if Baleba was a good fit for Manchester United, Sherwood told Sky Sports: "Yes, I'm a Baleba supporter. I think he's excellent. I'm a little surprised that Manchester United didn't act sooner. I don't know if Brighton were waiting to inflate his transfer fee."
“If they are willing to let him go now, then he could have been bought at the beginning of the transfer window. Then they should bring him to the team as soon as possible, hand him over to Michael Carrick, help him integrate into the system, and adapt to the team’s style of play.”
However, Sherwood then pointed out his preferred target: "I'm really surprised they didn't pursue Adam Walton, or rather, no other team pursued him. He would be my first choice. I like players with stronger technical skills."
Walton has been a key player for Crystal Palace for the past two seasons, winning the FA Cup, Community Shield, and UEFA Champions League title with the team. He was also named Man of the Match in the UEFA Champions League final this May.
The 22-year-old England midfielder, who was unexpectedly left out of England's World Cup squad, is currently valued at around £100 million and is also attracting attention from Manchester City as a potential replacement for Rodri.
Sherwood believes that Walton has the ability to go straight to a top team, while Baleba still needs to continue to develop.
"Given Manchester United's current midfield balance, they definitely need a player who can cover the entire pitch, and I think Baleba fits that requirement," Sherwood said.
“But I still think he’s a bit rough around the edges. He’ll develop under coaches like Michael Carrick and Jonathan Woodgate, and the environment around him is good. That’s a positive thing for Manchester United fans.”
However, when asked whether Baleba was a signing capable of changing the team's strength, Sherwood did not entirely agree.
“I’m not sure if he’s the kind of signing that can change the course of a game, so I’m not particularly excited about it. If I were a Manchester United fan, this signing wouldn’t make me jump for joy.”
“He still has a lot of room for growth, and the reason his transfer fee dropped is because his performance last season wasn’t good enough. However, he is definitely not a bad signing, without a doubt.”
Sherwood concluded by saying, "He still has room for improvement, but he hasn't fully transformed yet. There are many young players in Manchester United's squad who are not yet finished. Tielemans has matured, and Menu is still developing, so for Carrick, Baleba is just another option."
