Manchester United are considering a summer move for Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba, with left-back Ferdi Kadioglu also on their radar, according to reports. The potential double raid on the Seagulls is part of a planned midfield overhaul at Old Trafford, with Casemiro expected to depart and the future of Manuel Ugarte uncertain.
United's recruitment team, led by INEOS, is reportedly seeking at least two new midfield additions regardless of who is appointed as the club's next permanent manager. Interim boss Michael Carrick's success, which has United on the brink of Champions League qualification, is influencing the club's planning. Baleba has been a long-term target for United, with the club's list of potential midfield reinforcements also reportedly including Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton, Newcastle's Bruno Guimaraes, and Juventus's Sandro Tonali.
The need for reinforcements at left-back is also driving interest in Ferdi Kadioglu. With Luke Shaw entering the final year of his contract, the 26-year-old Turkey international's versatility—having played at left-back, right-back, and wing-back for Brighton this season—is seen as an asset. However, Brighton are said to value Kadioglu at around £42 million, a figure that may prove prohibitive for United given other squad needs. The prospect of a double deal with Brighton could potentially lower the overall cost.
In a related financial development, United's improved form under Carrick is set to increase the final cost of last summer's signing Benjamin Sesko. The Slovenian striker joined from RB Leipzig for a base fee of €76.5 million, with add-ons potentially taking the total to €85 million. According to reporter Philipp Hinze, bonuses linked to appearances, goals, and Champions League qualification are now likely to add approximately €4 million to the initial package, pushing the first-season total toward €80.5 million. Sesko has scored 10 Premier League goals in limited minutes this campaign.
Meanwhile, United have reportedly withdrawn from the race for Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson. BBC Sport states that while the club held an interest in the 23-year-old, they are unwilling to meet Forest's £120 million valuation. The report indicates that every player's value has a cap for United's hierarchy, and they have other priority areas to address. This decision could see United pivot to other targets, with Stuttgart's Angelo Stiller mentioned as a potential alternative.
The club's summer business will unfold against the backdrop of an ongoing managerial situation, with Carrick increasingly favoured to secure the permanent role after a strong interim spell. The pursuit of Baleba and Kadioglu signals a intent to build a competitive squad capable of challenging on multiple fronts next season.
