Midfielder’s Dip in Form Could Pave Way for £80m-£100m Deal, But January Move Ruled Out
Manchester United are growing increasingly hopeful of signing Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba, though any move will have to wait until the summer transfer window, according to reports.
The 22-year-old Cameroonian has been a long-term target for the Old Trafford club, who saw an approach for him knocked back last summer. While the Seagulls have publicly stated they have no immediate plans to sell, sources indicate United’s optimism about finally securing the player at the season’s end has risen.
A significant factor appears to be Baleba’s recent struggles for form. The central midfielder, who is under contract until 2028, has been substituted at half-time on seven occasions this season—four times by Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler and three times while on international duty—leading some observers to suggest his “stock has dropped.”
This potential shift could see his price tag fall into a range United are more willing to meet. Last summer, Brighton valued the player between £80 million and £100 million, a figure that deterred United from making an official bid as they focused funds elsewhere.
For now, however, the club’s focus remains on the current campaign. Under interim manager Michael Carrick, United are not expected to pursue any major signings this month, a policy consistent with previous mid-season caretaker periods.
“United are unlikely to reinforce their squad in the January window,” the report states, noting the club also refrained from big winter signings under previous temporary bosses Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick.
All eyes will now be on whether United can translate their reported confidence into a formal offer when the market reopens, testing Brighton’s resolve to keep a player whose season has not gone to plan.
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