Manchester United pushing to sign Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba
Manchester United’s transfer strategy for 2026 may once again revolve around Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, a player who has already expressed his desire to move to Old Trafford. According to The Athletic, Baleba had agreed personal terms with United back in August 2025, proving that the will of the player to make the switch is very much there. Although a deal did not take place this summer, his interest in joining the Red Devils is expected to remain strong if United return for him in the upcoming window.
Baleba has quickly established himself as one of Brighton’s most dynamic midfielders since arriving in the Premier League. The 21-year-old has made 81 appearances for the Seagulls, contributing four goals and two assists, and his high-energy displays have earned recognition beyond the club level. Internationally, he has also represented Cameroon on four occasions, showcasing his potential on the global stage. His profile as an all-action, hard-working midfielder fits perfectly with the vision of United’s manager Ruben Amorim, who is known for demanding relentless intensity and pressing in central areas.
The major question now revolves around Brighton’s valuation of their prized asset. While the club has not yet set an official asking price, multiple media outlets report that the Seagulls are looking at Moises Caicedo’s record-breaking £115m transfer to Chelsea in 2023 as a benchmark. If Brighton were to request a similar figure, it would make Baleba one of the most expensive players in Premier League history. Such a move would also smash Manchester United’s long-standing transfer record, which has remained untouched since the £89.3m signing of Paul Pogba from Juventus in 2016.
Despite the financial implications, respected transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has suggested that United and Amorim are fully convinced Baleba is the player they need to lead the club’s midfield rebuild. Amorim’s tactical system is based on pressing with intensity, regaining possession quickly, and dominating central areas, all of which align with Baleba’s strengths. His ball-winning ability, energy, and drive make him an ideal candidate to spearhead a refreshed United midfield.
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The combination of the player’s willingness to join, United’s pressing need for midfield reinforcements, and Amorim’s belief in his qualities creates a strong case for this transfer. The sticking point, however, will be Brighton’s notoriously tough negotiating stance and their likely insistence on a nine-figure fee. If United are serious about securing Baleba, they may need to shatter not only their transfer record but also demonstrate their long-term commitment to building a squad capable of competing with Europe’s elite.
As the winter of 2026 approaches, Carlos Baleba’s future will be one of the most closely followed transfer sagas in English football. For United, securing his signature could mark the start of a new era under Amorim, while for Brighton, it could be yet another example of their ability to develop top-class talent and sell at premium value.
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Would Carlos Baleba be a good signing for Manchester United?
Bologna-born Giuseppe Bianchi has spent more than a decade living in Rome and writing about Italian football, Spanish football and the Premier League for various Italian football portals and now he writes about European football for Euro Football Rumours. He's been thinking about football transfers pretty much nonstop since the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy. Aside from writing, he likes to spend his time fishing and rock climbing.
