Manchester United are refusing to walk away from their pursuit of Brighton star Carlos Baleba, even as the transfer window edges closer to its deadline.
The 21-year-old midfielder from Cameroon is seen by United as the missing piece in their midfield puzzle. Despite already signing big names like Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko this summer, Ruben Amorim and his recruitment team believe Baleba could be the perfect final addition.
Baleba himself is reportedly open to a move to Old Trafford. Sources close to the player say he’s excited by the idea of joining a club of United’s size and history. However, Brighton have made it clear they are not ready to part with their prized midfielder, unless an extraordinary offer comes in.
The Seagulls are said to be demanding more than the £115 million fee they received for Moises Caicedo in 2023. That eye-watering price tag has not scared United away completely, but it has made negotiations extremely difficult.
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Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that United have held fresh talks with Baleba’s representatives in recent days. These discussions have focused mainly on personal terms, such as salary and contract length.
Romano explained on his YouTube channel: “Manchester United are speaking again and again, even today, with the agents of Carlos Baleba about the contract and the salary. On the player side, they want to advance, then see what happens with Brighton.”
According to Romano, United have no problem meeting Baleba’s wage expectations. The real challenge is convincing Brighton to sell. At the moment, there is no sign of a breakthrough, but United are determined to keep pushing.
Brighton’s stance is firm. They want Baleba to remain at the Amex Stadium for the upcoming season. The midfielder has only been with the club since his move from Lille and is seen as a key part of their plans.
Even so, United believe persistence could pay off. The club’s leadership has been encouraged by the fact that Baleba has not ruled out a move. Insiders say he remains “open” to the idea of wearing the famous red shirt.
The summer transfer window has already been a success for Manchester United. Securing the signings of Mbeumo, Cunha, and Sesko has strengthened the squad in key areas. But landing Baleba would be the icing on the cake.
Romano summed it up by saying: “If we can get the perfect midfielder, good. Otherwise, we will move on. But Manchester United want to try, and that’s why they continue to speak with Baleba’s agents, even on a Saturday.”
The fact that discussions are still active shows United’s determination. They believe Baleba’s skill set, especially his defensive strength and ability to control the midfield, could transform the team’s performances.
Baleba’s rise has been rapid. His strong displays in Ligue 1 with Lille earned him the move to Brighton, where he has continued to impress. His combination of physical presence and technical skill has caught the attention of scouts across Europe.
For Brighton, losing Baleba would be a big blow. They have built their recent success on smart recruitment and player development. Selling another key midfielder so soon after losing Caicedo would be a risky move.
From United’s perspective, the clock is ticking. They know Brighton are under no pressure to sell, so the only way to get a deal done is to make an offer the Seagulls can’t refuse.
Fans are now watching closely. Some believe United should pay whatever it takes to land a player they see as a future superstar. Others think the club should focus on developing existing talent rather than spending another huge fee.
Whatever the outcome, this is a transfer saga to watch until the very last day of the summer window. If United can pull it off, it will be one of the most talked-about moves of the year. If not, it will still be remembered as another example of the club’s willingness to fight for their top targets.
For now, both clubs are holding their ground. Brighton are defending their midfield jewel, while United refuse to stop knocking on the door. The next few weeks will reveal whether persistence or resistance will win the day.
