Manchester United are pursuing a deal for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, lodging an initial bid of £60 million plus £5m in add-ons. The move highlights a strategic shift in United’s recruitment under head coach Michael Carrick as the club looks to strengthen central midfield options following recent departures and injuries.
United Pursues Baleba With Initial Bid
Manchester United and Brighton & Hove Albion are actively discussing a transfer for midfielder Carlos Baleba, with United putting forward an opening offer of approximately £60million alongside £5m in add-ons. While Brighton officials consider the package below their valuation, amicable talks continue between both clubs to find an agreement that would bring the Cameroon international to Old Trafford.
Midfield reinforcement has emerged as a primary focus for head coach Michael Carrick during this transfer window. United already secured Andrey Santos from Chelsea for £48 million and activated the £35m release clause for Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa. Meanwhile, a prospective deal for Atalanta midfielder Ederson fell through after United backed out over knee injury concerns regarding the Brazilian.
Brighton’s Stance on Financials and Squad Depth
Brighton chief Paul Barber addressed the swirling speculation surrounding the 22-year-old midfielder, emphasizing that the south-coast club evaluates every potential exit through an economic lens.
“I mean this time of year as you know we’re always going to be subject to bids for our players. We are always going to be interested in ones that are sensible and that are going to make sense for us financially and economically.”
Paul Barber, Brighton chief
Barber noted that any player movement must align with the club’s broader on-field ambitions, particularly with upcoming fixtures in the Europa Conference League. While acknowledging that Baleba has drawn interest from elite clubs globally over the past two years, Barber maintained that the organization balances commercial opportunities with squad depth.
“So nothing to really say on Carlos at the moment other than he’s a hugely talented young midfielder who’s done really well for us and has attracted interest from some of the biggest clubs in the world now for a couple of years so let’s see where we go.”
Paul Barber, Brighton chief
Shifting Strategy in Old Trafford Recruitment
The pursuit of Baleba reflects a more disciplined approach to player acquisition at Old Trafford compared to previous windows. Rather than protracted, public negotiations that characterized past pursuits—such as the drawn-out pursuit of Frenkie de Jong in 2022—United’s recruitment team has operated with greater discretion. The rapid completion of both the Santos and Tielemans deals illustrates a tighter degree of control over the club’s transfer business.
United’s interest in Baleba stems from extensive tracking, including scouting him during his appearances for Cameroon at the Africa Cup of Nations alongside Bryan Mbeumo. Analysts at Old Trafford value the midfielder’s underlying data, highlighting his capabilities in ground coverage, possession-winning, and passing efficiency. His left-footedness also provides potential versatility as cover at left-back.
Midfield Depth and Fitness Concerns at Old Trafford
The push for fresh midfield personnel follows significant disruption to United’s squad. Casemiro departed the club, while Manuel Ugarte suffered a knee injury while playing for Uruguay at the World Cup, leaving Carrick with a reduced pool of central options. Mason Mount has also missed the final two pre-season matches due to a foot injury sustained in an encounter with Paris St-Germain in Gothenburg, intensifying scrutiny surrounding the player’s fitness record.
Baleba is currently working his way back from an ankle ligament injury, though club assessments indicate the issue is minor and will not cause a long-term absence. Last season at Brighton, the midfielder made 35 total appearances while navigating minor injuries and international duty.
Valuation Shifts From Previous Windows
Market valuations for the midfielder have shifted significantly over the past year. Last summer, following two strong Premier League campaigns, Brighton’s valuation soared above £100m, at which point United would have considered reaching £75m. Following a challenging campaign affected by transfer speculation, injury niggles, and frequent substitutions, United are positioned to secure an agreement well below those prior peaks.
