Brighton dismiss £50m Baleba valuation as Manchester United interest persists

Brighton & Hove Albion have dismissed suggestions that midfielder Carlos Baleba could be sold for a fee as low as £50 million this summer, with sources indicating the club's valuation remains significantly higher. According to TEAMtalk, Manchester United's interest in the 22-year-old Cameroonian is ongoing, but any deal would need to exceed £70 million to be considered by the Seagulls. The initial reports of a £50 million price tag have been firmly rejected by the club.

Baleba has developed into one of Brighton's most important players since his arrival from Lille in 2022. While the club reportedly accepts that a sale could materialise in the upcoming transfer window, they are under no pressure to part with a key asset for a figure they deem below market value. Brighton had previously been quoted an asking price in the region of £100 million for the defensive midfielder, a reflection of his long-term potential and his crucial role in Roberto De Zerbi's system.

Manchester United view Baleba as a primary target to fill the void left by the departure of Casemiro. The club's recruitment team sees the player's profile as an ideal fit for their long-term rebuild and a candidate to become the first-choice defensive midfielder. Sources indicate that United have maintained contact with Baleba's representatives to keep them informed of their interest, though they have also played down claims that any pre-agreement with the player is already in place.

The path to a deal, however, is complicated by both the financial gap and competition. Brighton's internal stance, according to sources, is that a realistic negotiation would start at over £70 million, a figure that would represent a club-record sale. Manchester United are not alone in monitoring the situation, with several other top European clubs also aware that Brighton could be open to business if their valuation is met. For now, Brighton remain relaxed about the player's future, confident in their strong contractual position.

The potential transfer is set against a backdrop of significant change at Old Trafford, where incoming sporting director Dan Ashworth is expected to oversee a summer of considerable squad overhaul. Securing a long-term solution in the defensive midfield role is understood to be a priority, making Baleba's situation one to watch closely. However, as the early skirmishes of the transfer window demonstrate, United will need to align their valuation much more closely with Brighton's if they are to have any chance of concluding a deal for one of the Premier League's emerging talents.