Manchester United’s chase for Brighton star Carlos Baleba has taken an unexpected twist. The 21-year-old midfielder from Cameroon, who has been a revelation in the Premier League, is now at the center of a fierce tug-of-war between two of England’s biggest clubs, Manchester United and Manchester City.
Baleba joined Brighton in the summer of 2023 for £23.2 million, and in just two seasons, he has become one of the most talked-about midfielders in English football. His performances last season were nothing short of outstanding, with 34 appearances in the Premier League that caught the eyes of scouts, pundits, and managers alike.
Earlier this week, it was revealed that Manchester United had quietly approached Brighton through intermediaries to show their interest in signing Baleba. United’s plan was to strengthen their midfield ahead of the new season, and Baleba was high on their wishlist.
However, their hopes have been hit hard. Manchester City, led by Pep Guardiola, have now entered the race. Guardiola has reportedly been a long-time admirer of Baleba’s style of play, describing him as a complete midfielder who can dominate games. With City’s financial muscle and recent success, United suddenly face a much tougher battle.
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The challenge for both clubs is Brighton’s stance. The Seagulls have made it clear that Baleba will not leave for anything less than €120 million, around £104 million. Brighton know his value and are prepared to keep him unless an irresistible offer arrives.
For Manchester United, the timing could not be worse. The club is already finalising a £74 million deal for striker Benjamin Šeško, who is set to undergo his medical and sign on Friday. Spending big on Šeško leaves little room in the budget for another mega transfer unless they sell players first.
United’s plan after Šeško’s arrival is to offload several squad members. Alejandro Garnacho, once considered one of the club’s brightest young talents, is among those who could leave. Chelsea are already in talks with United over a possible deal for the Argentine winger.
Jadon Sancho and Antony are also on the exit list. Both players have failed to make the desired impact and are free to move on if the right offers come in. Selling these players could help raise funds for Baleba, but with the transfer window closing on September 1, time is running out.
On the other side, Manchester City are in a stronger financial position and could move quickly to secure Baleba’s signature. Guardiola is reportedly keen to refresh his midfield after a long season and sees Baleba as the perfect fit for his tactical system.
For now, Baleba remains calm amid the speculation. Sources close to the player say he is happy at Brighton and is open to staying another year if a move does not happen this summer. His focus is on continuing his development and helping Brighton push for another strong season in the league.
Brighton fans are understandably nervous about the situation. Losing Baleba would be a huge blow, especially after the team’s impressive recent seasons. But with two giants of English football circling, the pressure is mounting.
The coming weeks promise to be dramatic. Will Manchester United find the money and convince Baleba to join? Or will Pep Guardiola and Manchester City swoop in to snatch him away? One thing is certain, this transfer saga is far from over, and the football world will be watching every twist and turn.
For Baleba, this is a defining moment. At just 21, he is already proving he belongs at the highest level. Whether he stays at Brighton, moves to United, or joins City, the next chapter of his career could shape his legacy for years to come.
And for United fans, the anxiety grows. After years of inconsistent performances and near misses in the transfer market, missing out on another top target to City would be a bitter pill to swallow.
As the clock ticks down to September 1, the tension is building. Football fans across the globe are bracing for one of the most expensive and dramatic transfer battles of the summer.
