Manchester United are preparing to renew their pursuit of Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba, with reports indicating the Seagulls are now open to a sale. According to journalist Nicolo Schira, Brighton have 'opened the door' to a potential transfer after blocking United's approach last summer. The 22-year-old Cameroon international remains a key target for United's recruitment team as they plan for midfield reinforcements.
United's interest in Carlos Baleba is long-standing, with the club having agreed personal terms with the player ahead of the 2025 summer window. That verbal agreement, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, remains valid for the upcoming 2026 transfer period, with Baleba still keen on a move to Old Trafford. Last summer, a deal failed to materialize as Brighton rejected United's bid, reportedly holding out for a fee in excess of £100 million.
The landscape has shifted since then, with Baleba's market value impacted by a difficult season at the Amex Stadium. Sources indicate that while some reports have suggested a price as low as £50 million, a more realistic figure for any deal would need to exceed £70 million. This revised valuation, while still significant, represents a substantial reduction from last year's asking price and places Baleba in a more affordable bracket for United's hierarchy.
The move makes strategic sense for both clubs. For Manchester United, under the direction of football director Jason Wilcox, Baleba represents a younger, dynamic midfield option as the club looks to refresh its engine room. His physical profile and ball-carrying ability have been noted as attributes that would suit the Premier League's intensity. For Brighton, a sale in the region of £70 million would continue their successful model of developing and trading talent for considerable profit, having signed Baleba from Lille in 2023.
Baleba's potential arrival would signal a continued focus on recruiting younger talent under the INEOS regime, following the signings of Benjamin Sesko and others last summer. However, any formal move is likely contingent on several factors, including the appointment of a permanent manager and the finalization of the club's summer budget. Chelsea are also reported to hold an interest in the midfielder, setting up a potential transfer battle.
With personal terms already loosely agreed, the primary obstacle for Manchester United remains negotiating a fee with Brighton. If a compromise can be found around the reported £70 million mark, a transfer that seemed impossible last summer could be revived, providing a key piece for United's midfield rebuild.
