As Manchester United close in on the signing of striker Benjamin Šeško, the club is now quietly turning its attention to strengthening its midfield, and Brighton’s Carlos Baleba has suddenly emerged as a top target.
According to multiple reports, including Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United approached Baleba’s camp this week to understand the player’s situation and whether a summer move could be possible.
Baleba, only 21, is one of the Premier League’s rising stars and has drawn praise for his physical presence, tactical intelligence, and calmness in midfield.
The Red Devils see him as a potential long-term solution in the number six role, a position that’s been under scrutiny at Old Trafford. With Casemiro aging and constantly battling injuries, a solid and dynamic holding midfielder is high on the club’s post-Šeško transfer list.
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But there’s a catch: Brighton do not want to sell.
The South Coast club has made it clear that Baleba is not for sale this summer, even as Manchester United try to test the waters.
Brighton, known for discovering and developing elite talent like Moises Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister, have profited from previous sales, but they’re not planning to repeat that process with Baleba, at least not this year.
Insiders describe any potential deal as “very difficult,” even unrealistic, given Baleba’s long contract (which runs until 2027) and his rising value. Manchester United would have to pay a hefty fee, one that may not be possible unless they offload several players first.
And right now, that’s easier said than done.
United’s summer transfer budget is already being stretched by the €85 million Sesko deal, and any further big-money signings would require the club to generate funds through sales. Stars like Jadon Sancho, Antony, and even Alejandro Garnacho have been linked with exits, but as of now, none of them have left Old Trafford.
Brighton, on the other hand, are in a very strong financial position. They’ve already made big money from Joao Pedro’s sale to Chelsea and Simon Adingra’s move to Sunderland, meaning they have no pressure to cash in on Baleba. They know they’re holding one of the Premier League’s brightest young midfielders and want to continue developing him at the Amex Stadium.
United’s interest in Baleba is also driven by new manager Rúben Amorim, who is keen to inject youthful energy and tactical versatility into the midfield. Baleba’s ability to break up play, control tempo, and start attacks has caught the eye of Amorim and United’s recruitment team.
But even with the mutual admiration, Baleba remains focused and grounded. When asked recently about the transfer rumors, the Cameroonian talent said:
“If they can help me, I’ll accept that help to push forward and develop. I just work to help my team and for myself, to progress for the future. Everyone who helps me wants me to go to the highest level. And if there are big clubs who want me, it’s not something that worries me or gets me excited. I just need to work hard and keep a cool head.”
For now, Baleba is fully committed to Brighton, and the club is equally committed to keeping him.
But in football, situations change quickly.
If United can complete the Sesko transfer and successfully offload a few high-value players, the door could reopen. Baleba isn’t pushing for a move, but United haven’t given up. Sources close to the club say they’ll keep monitoring the situation in case the circumstances shift.
Until then, it’s a waiting game, and possibly, a missed opportunity in the making.
