Manchester United are prepared to splash serious cash in pursuing Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba.
The Red Devils have kept up constant contact with the 21-year-old’s representatives, signalling they’re willing to push the required sum to get him—and fast.
Rúben Amorim’s summer spending has already seen the arrivals of Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, and Benjamin Sesko, but Baleba remains the final missing piece.
Brighton insist he’s not for sale—yet an offer in the region of £110m, similar to the record fee Chelsea paid for Moises Caicedo in 2023, could make them reconsider.
What would Baleba bring to United?
Since arriving from Lille in 2023, he’s become a standout for Brighton, combining ball-winning energy with composure on the ball.
📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
In the 2024/25 season, he made 34 Premier League appearances, scoring three goals and picking up two assists. His progressive passing, strong recoveries, and athleticism make him a good fit for Amorim’s pressing 3-4-3 system.
From a defensive metric standpoint, Baleba averaged 2.7 tackles per 90 minutes, which is just behind Caicedo’s 3.1 and well ahead of established names like Declan Rice, 2.1.
In a squad that struggled with midfield balance last season, to say the least, his energy and forward momentum would be transformative.
Of course, the risk is real.
United would be handing nine figures to a player with under 70 top-flight appearances.
But Brighton has a strong track record of selling homegrown stars at peak value—from Ben White and Alexis Mac Allister to Caicedo—suggesting Baleba offers both impact and future resale potential.
Yet Newcastle lurk on the sidelines, potentially waiting to pounce—an added factor that could hike the price even further.
If United truly see Baleba as the ideal midfield lynchpin, they may have to break their transfer record to sign him, gaining a rare blend of dynamism and tactical fit—possibly worth every penny.
Manchester United news and related links
- Man United forward 'told to leave' after Benjamin Sesko signing
- Gianluigi Donnarumma 'decides new club' as PSG contract talks end
- Former Manchester United stalwart opens up on controversial exit