Manchester United pause Baleba bid as price proves prohibitive
Manchester United will not be moving for Carlos Baleba before the transfer window closes, despite the 21-year-old Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder having been United’s primary target to bolster the No. 6 role. The clubs had initial conversations mediated by intermediaries, followed by direct talks, but Brighton have made clear they do not plan to sell this summer and expect to keep Baleba for at least another season.
Brighton’s stance centers on a demanding asking price, with the figure floated around £115 million—roughly the level Chelsea paid for Moises Caicedo—an amount United are not prepared to meet in the current market. While Baleba would have little trouble agreeing personal terms to move to Old Trafford, the financial barrier appears insurmountable for now. The Cameroon international remains open to waiting for the right opportunity, and conversations between the clubs have stayed cordial, with United acknowledging Baleba’s development trajectory.
United’s evaluation process has been tempered by realism: Baleba has only two Premier League campaigns under his belt, making him a longer-term project rather than an immediate fix. The club has already invested heavily in players at peak age—Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo among them—and is also building around emerging talent Benjamin Sesko. Financial discipline is a clear priority, and there remains work to be done on departures to balance the books alongside incoming targets.
Baleba’s 2023-24 season numbers at Brighton included 40 appearances in all competitions, with four goals and two assists. He arrived from Lille in August 2023 for a fee just under £26 million, with add-ons, and has since made 77 appearances for Brighton. This summer, Brighton have both seen some departures and welcomed new arrivals: Joao Pedro, Simon Adingra, and Pervis Estupiñan left for Chelsea, Sunderland, and Milan respectively, while Evan Ferguson joined Roma on loan. On the incoming side, Brighton have added Charalampos Kostoulas, Diego Coppola, Maxime De Cuyper, and Olivier Boscagli.
Man United face a broader midfield assessment under coach Ruben Amorim. While the Portuguese manager has suggested there is no urgent need for further recruitment and even floated Mason Mount as a potential deeper option, the club still lacks a plethora of athletic, combative midfielders compared to their top-six rivals. The discussion has included references to remaining European targets capable of providing proactive defensive cover and quick distribution, though any deal would hinge on price and fit.
What happens next remains unclear. United will continue to weigh options, balancing budget constraints with the need to strengthen a position that demands energy, resilience, and industry in a high-pressing system.
Summary
– Manchester United have cooled on pursuing Carlos Baleba this window due to Brighton’s £115m asking price.
– Baleba is viewed as a long-term project rather than an immediate starter, and United prefer financial discipline amid other signings.
– Baleba demonstrated strong seasonal contributions at Brighton (40 appearances, 4 goals, 2 assists) after joining from Lille for under £26m in 2023.
– Brighton’s summer departures and incomings have shaped the club’s transfer activity, while United’s midfield analysis continues under Ruben Amorim, balancing readiness with development.
Additional value and commentary
– If United remain steadfast on price, targeted alternatives in the same profile—young, technically capable midfielders with potential for rapid improvement—could become more attractive. The club might prioritize players who can adapt to a 3-4-3 system, provide athletic presence, and grow into leadership roles as they mature.
– The ongoing discourse around Baleba underscores a broader theme for United: balancing immediate impact with long-term squad evolution, ensuring that any signing bolsters depth without destabilizing the wage structure or long-term planning.
– Positive outlook: if United can identify a midfielder who fits Amorim’s emphasis on proactive defending and efficient progression, the club could build a dynamic midfield trio capable of competing with Europe’s elite, while continuing to develop homegrown or academy-linked talent.