Manchester United could revisit a potential deal for Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba this summer, but only if the asking price is reduced from its previous valuation of £100 million, according to insider Pete O’Rourke. The Red Devils are seeking to strengthen their midfield options following the departure of Casemiro and a recent injury to new signing Manuel Ugarte.
United initially showed interest in Baleba last summer, but cooled on the move due to Brighton’s high demands and concerns over the player’s consistency, with his previous season not matching the level of performance displayed prior. The club had also considered Atalanta’s Ederson, but have since moved on from that target.
O’Rourke told Football Insider that United remain interested in Baleba and could step up their pursuit if Brighton indicate a willingness to lower their asking price. The club ideally aimed to sign three midfielders this window, and the need has become more pressing with Ugarte’s injury.
Recent reports from TEAMtalk suggest Brighton have reduced their valuation of Baleba to £70 million, though United are hoping to secure him for closer to £50 million. The arrival of Andrey Santos from Chelsea has addressed one midfield need, but further reinforcement is still considered essential.
Another player on United’s radar is Bournemouth’s Tyler Adams, with the club having made enquiries about his availability. Adams, like Santos, is valued in the region of £50 million. Should both Adams and Santos be signed, United’s total spending on midfield reinforcements would be around £100 million, slightly exceeding the anticipated cost of pursuing Ederson. The potential addition of either Baleba or Adams would provide manager Erik ten Hag with increased depth and competition in the centre of the park as they prepare for the new Premier League season.
