Manchester United have reached out to Brighton to initiate discussions regarding the transfer of Carlos Baleba.

 

Red Devils Identify Brighton Star as Key Target to Bolster Midfield Ahead of 2025/26 Season

 

Manchester United have officially made contact with Brighton & Hove Albion to begin discussions over the potential transfer of highly-rated midfielder Carlos Baleba, according to sources close to Old Trafford. The 21-year-old has emerged as a prime target for United, who are looking to reinforce their midfield with young, dynamic talent capable of shaping their next generation under Ruben Amorim.

 

After enduring another season of inconsistency in midfield—highlighted by injuries, tactical imbalance, and a lack of depth—Manchester United are actively pursuing reinforcements to ensure they remain competitive in the Premier League and Europe. With players like Casemiro aging and Christian Eriksen potentially heading for the exit door, Baleba is seen as an ideal candidate to inject energy, athleticism, and tactical flexibility into the squad.

 

Why Baleba?

 

Carlos Baleba, who joined Brighton from Lille in 2023, has made an impressive mark in the Premier League with his powerful ball-carrying ability, high pressing work rate, and composure in tight spaces. Still just 21, the Cameroonian-born midfielder has shown maturity beyond his years, operating as a central or box-to-box midfielder capable of dictating tempo and disrupting opposition transitions.

 

His standout performances last season earned him admirers across the league, with Manchester United’s scouting department reportedly tracking his development for several months. Sources suggest that United view Baleba not only as a complement to Kobbie Mainoo in the long term but also as a versatile solution capable of adapting to Amorim’s system, which emphasizes positional discipline and high-intensity pressing.

 

Talks Begin: The Transfer Picture

 

While no formal offer has yet been tabled, United’s initial approach signals serious intent. Brighton, known for their shrewd negotiations and reluctance to part with key players unless their valuation is met, are expected to demand a substantial fee. Given Baleba’s contract runs until 2028, any deal would likely exceed £40–50 million, especially given the Premier League premium and Brighton’s recent track record in extracting top value for their stars (as seen with Moisés Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister).

 

Manchester United’s willingness to open talks early in the window suggests a more proactive transfer strategy this summer—likely influenced by the club’s new sporting structure under INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe. It also reflects a clear shift toward investing in youth and athleticism rather than solely relying on experienced names with short-term impact.

 

A New Midfield Era?

 

Should the deal materialize, Baleba’s arrival could mark the beginning of a new-look Manchester United midfield. With Mainoo continuing to develop and Mason Mount aiming to bounce back from an injury-hit debut campaign, the introduction of another youthful engine like Baleba would add much-needed balance, especially in a system requiring dual-function midfielders.

 

Moreover, United’s pursuit of Baleba aligns with their broader strategy of building a squad capable of competing over several seasons, with a core group of under-25 players expected to lead the club into a new era.

 

Final Thoughts

 

The coming days and weeks will be crucial as negotiations evolve between the two Premier League clubs. Brighton will undoubtedly play hardball, but United appear determined to secure their man early in the window. If successful, Carlos Baleba’s signing could prove to be a statement of intent—a signal that Manchester United are not just chasing big names, but building a team for the future with intelligence and purpose.

 

Fans will now watch closely as talks unfold, hoping that the Red Devils can conclude a deal swiftly and efficiently, avoiding the transfer sagas that have plagued them in recent windows.