Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba has reportedly held discussions with Manchester United players Bruno Fernandes and Matheus Cunha regarding a potential transfer to Old Trafford this summer.
The Cameroon international was previously linked with a move to United last year, with personal terms reportedly agreed before the deal stalled 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.
However, United have already secured Atalanta’s Ederson as their first midfield addition of the 2026 transfer window and are still seeking further reinforcements following the departures of Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte. While West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes is currently considered a priority target, and a move for Elliot Anderson of Nottingham Forest has reportedly stalled, the club maintains interest in several other players, including Alex Scott, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Adam Wharton.
According to The Sun, Baleba initiated contact with Fernandes and 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 interacted 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 a challenging 2025-26 season for the player. This potential reduction in asking price could open the door for a transfer before the summer window closes.
Brighton are bracing for a potential departure of Jan Paul van Hecke to Tottenham Hotspur, with former manager Roberto De Zerbi keen on a reunion with the Netherlands defender. The Seagulls have already secured the signing of winger Zadok Yohanna from AIK, who joined on June 6th, as they begin to reshape their squad following James Milner’s retirement.
