Manchester United retain interest in Brighton's Carlos Baleba as summer midfield search continues
Manchester United are considering a renewed move for Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba this summer, with the club's director of football, Jason Wilcox, reportedly believing a deal can be done. According to reporter Ben Jacobs, speaking on The United Stand, the likelihood of United following up on their long-standing interest is now viewed as 50/50, with the club having already completed significant groundwork on a potential transfer last year.
The Red Devils explored a move for Baleba in the 2025 summer window and even agreed personal terms with the player, as reported by The Athletic. However, the deal collapsed when Brighton made it clear they would demand a fee in excess of £100 million, prompting United to focus their resources elsewhere. With the anticipated summer departures of Casemiro and the potential exit of Manuel Ugarte, United are now expected to sign two midfielders, reigniting their interest in the 22-year-old Cameroonian.
Baleba, who joined Brighton from Lille in 2023 for a fee around £23 million, has been a key component in Roberto De Zerbi's midfield. Known for his defensive tenacity, mobility, and energy, he is seen by some at Old Trafford as a player whose skills could complement the more creative talents of Kobbie Mainoo. However, his form has reportedly dipped this season, with some observers suggesting the persistent transfer speculation from last summer may have been a contributing factor.
The transfer landscape has shifted since last year. United's primary midfield target is now believed to be Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson, though competition from Manchester City could complicate that pursuit. The club has also reportedly cooled on Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton due to a perceived stylistic overlap with Mainoo. This has opened the door for Baleba to re-emerge as a viable option, albeit not as the absolute priority he once was under previous managerial candidate Ruben Amorim.
No potential fee has been indicated in recent reports, and the media silence on the matter is attributed to United having already established the player's willingness to join. Any development would require United to make a formal approach to Brighton. The Seagulls, known for their tough negotiating stance, are already said to be scouting potential replacements, including Ghanaian international Majeed Ashimeru, suggesting they anticipate interest in Baleba.
For United, securing a player of Baleba's profile would address a clear need for physicality and ball-winning ability in the centre of the park. For Brighton, a sale would represent another significant profit on a player developed within their system, continuing their successful transfer model. The coming months will determine if United decide to convert their long-standing appreciation into a concrete bid.
