The transfer window has once again thrown Manchester United fans into a storm of speculation. This time, it is Brighton’s young midfielder, Carlos Baleba, who is at the center of the drama.
The 21-year-old has been heavily linked with a summer switch to Old Trafford. Rumors suggest that United manager Ruben Amorim sees him as the missing piece in midfield. But Brighton are holding firm with a jaw-dropping demand of £120 million.
That price tag has shocked United, who have already spent more than £200m on new stars like Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo, and Matheus Cunha. Still, Amorim is believed to be pushing for one more big signing, and Baleba tops his wish list.
Despite the noise, Baleba took to the pitch for Brighton in their opening game of the Premier League season. The Seagulls drew 1-1 with Fulham, and Baleba’s presence immediately set tongues wagging.
📰 Also Read This:
After the match, the midfielder dropped his own statement online. Posting a series of pictures, he wrote:
“Just me doing the thing I love most. Had fun playing at home with the boys. Nothing new here, just my number and a haircut.”
The message came across as calm, playful, and maybe even a little cheeky. It seemed to echo the words of Brighton’s boss, Fabian Hurzeler, who laughed off the rumors days earlier.
When asked about Baleba’s future, Hurzeler replied:
“I am very, very confident. I didn’t see any change, he’s only changed his hair. That’s the change he’s made in the last two weeks. But overall, he seems to be in a really good place, he’s enjoying it with his team-mates, he’s enjoying being a Brighton player.”
This lighthearted response has left fans split. Some believe Baleba is hiding his real desire to leave. Others think he is genuinely happy at Brighton and will not force a move.
For Manchester United, the situation is frustrating. Amorim has insisted he is happy with his squad but also hinted that he would like more midfield options.
When asked directly about transfers before United’s clash with Arsenal, the Portuguese coach said:
“I’m really happy with our players. They are working really well. We have different players for that position, so we are prepared to win any game. Maybe Mason Mount is a player that can play there if we want something different.”
His comments may sound reassuring, but insiders claim he still wants Baleba in red before the window shuts.
The young Cameroonian star has quickly developed into one of the Premier League’s most promising midfielders. His mix of strength, energy, and vision makes him a perfect fit for United’s style under Amorim.
But Brighton’s stance is clear: if United want him now, they must pay big. Otherwise, they may need to wait until next summer, when the situation could change.
Baleba himself has not openly said he wants to leave, but sources close to the player say he is “keen on the move” and willing to “wait patiently” if the deal cannot be done this year.
For now, his focus appears to remain on Brighton. His post-match message felt like a reminder that he is a professional first. He loves playing football, no matter the noise around him.
Still, United fans are restless. They know the transfer window can swing suddenly, and last-minute deals are never off the table.
Could Carlos Baleba be the final signing of United’s chaotic summer? Or will Brighton’s £120m wall keep him trapped at the Amex for another year?
The coming weeks will decide. One thing is certain: Baleba’s name will not leave the headlines any time soon.
