Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba has reportedly held discussions with Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes regarding a potential transfer to Old Trafford this summer.
Baleba was previously linked with a move to United last year, with personal terms reportedly agreed before the deal faltered due to Brighton’s valuation of over €115 million. Manchester United ultimately decided against pursuing the transfer at that time, opting not to sign a new midfielder despite interest.
However, United have already secured Atalanta’s Ederson for the upcoming season and are still seeking further midfield reinforcements following the departures of Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte. While West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes is considered a priority target, and a move for Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson appears unlikely, the club continues to monitor other options including Alex Scott, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Adam Wharton.
According to The Sun, Baleba initiated contact with Fernandes and Matheus Cunha following Manchester United’s 3-0 victory over Brighton at the AMEX Stadium on the final day of the Premier League season. Reports indicate Baleba engaged in a lengthy conversation with Cunha in the tunnel after the match. He also spoke with Brighton teammate Patrick Dorgu in the mixed zone, and maintains close relationships with former Lille colleague Leny Yoro and international teammate Bryan Mbeumo.
Manchester United have not yet committed to a serious pursuit of Baleba, but Brighton may be more willing to negotiate a lower fee than the previously quoted €115 million, following Baleba’s challenging 2025-26 season. A deal could therefore materialise before the transfer window closes. Brighton, however, are expected to be firm negotiators, particularly as they anticipate potentially losing Jan Paul van Hecke to Tottenham Hotspur, where former manager Roberto De Zerbi is seeking a reunion with the defender.
The Seagulls have already begun their summer business by securing the signing of winger Zadok Yohanna from AIK, beating out competition from Chelsea and Newcastle United. Yohanna became Brighton’s first signing of the window on June 6th, following the retirement of James Milner.
