Liam Duckstein
Manchester United’s summer rebuild shows no signs of slowing down, with transfer insider Fabrizio Romano confirming that the club held fresh talks with the representatives of Carlos Baleba this weekend. The Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder has emerged as the club’s top midfield target ahead of the new season.
Baleba: United’s Midfield Priority
The 20-time English champions view the 20-year-old Cameroon international as a long-term solution in central midfield. Since arriving from Lille in 2023, Baleba has rapidly developed into one of the Premier League’s most dynamic ball carriers, making 77 appearances, scoring four goals, and assisting twice.
However, Brighton’s valuation – believed to be around £104 million – is a major stumbling block. That figure also includes a reported 20% sell-on clause owed to Lille, making negotiations even trickier.
Romano Confirms Ongoing Talks
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano revealed:
“Manchester United maintain contacts with the agents of Carlos Baleba… they are discussing contract terms and salary. With Brighton, talks are not yet advanced, but United want to try. The player is not closing the door to the move.”
Romano added that United’s midfield pursuit follows a busy window in which they have already secured Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, and Benjamin Sesko. The club’s stance is clear: land the “perfect” midfielder now, or move on.
Brighton’s Stance & Player’s Condition
Baleba’s absence from Brighton’s pre-season clash with Wolfsburg raised eyebrows, but head coach Fabian Hurzeler downplayed any transfer-related concerns:
“He trained today and yesterday. We didn’t want to take risks. He’ll be back soon.”
The midfielder recently recovered from a minor knee injury and remains under contract at the Amex until June 2028. Manchester City are also reportedly monitoring the situation.
Tactical Fit at Old Trafford
Baleba’s profile – powerful in transitions, press-resistant, and able to drive play through the centre – aligns perfectly with Erik ten Hag’s vision for a more athletic and technically dominant midfield. His arrival could provide the ideal balance alongside Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes, adding depth and dynamism to United’s engine room.
Verdict
The deal remains complicated due to Brighton’s valuation, but Manchester United’s persistence suggests this saga is far from over. If they can pull off the signing, it could be one of the Premier League’s most impactful transfers of the summer.
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