Manchester United cool interest in Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba

Manchester United have moved Carlos Baleba down their list of summer transfer targets, according to reports. The Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder was a primary objective for the club last year, but a significant drop in valuation and a shift in priorities mean a move is now considered unlikely.

The Athletic reports that while United retain an interest in the 22-year-old Cameroon international, he is now in a lower category of midfielders on the club's shortlist. This represents a stark change from the summer of 2025, when Baleba had agreed personal terms with United, only for the deal to collapse due to Brighton's asking price, which exceeded €115 million (£100m). United were reportedly unwilling to meet that valuation at the time.

This season, Baleba's form has reportedly suffered, with sources suggesting the failed transfer played a role in his dip in performance. Consequently, United's current valuation of the player has fallen to roughly €58 million (£50m), a figure far below what Brighton commanded last year. Baleba has made 31 appearances across all competitions this campaign but has completed the full 90 minutes on only four occasions.

Instead, United's focus has shifted towards other midfield options as they plan a significant overhaul in the centre of the park. The club hopes to sign two new midfielders this summer, with Casemiro departing upon the expiry of his contract and Manuel Ugarte expected to be sold after an underwhelming loan spell. Kobbie Mainoo is set to remain a cornerstone of the project and is close to finalising a new contract.

According to the reports, Newcastle United's Elliot Anderson is now considered United's primary midfield target, though they face competition from rivals Manchester City and a potential fee as high as €144 million (£125m) from Nottingham Forest. Other names on United's radar include Real Madrid's Aurelien Tchouameni, Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton, and West Ham's Mateus Fernandes, although a move for Newcastle's Sandro Tonali is seen as financially out of reach.

The situation underscores United's more cautious and value-driven approach in the upcoming window. While the door is not completely closed on a move for Carlos Baleba, the significant gap between his previous price tag and United's current valuation, coupled with his diminished standing on their list, makes a transfer this summer increasingly improbable.