Manchester United's failed attempts at bringing in Brighton star Carlos Baleba has seen the Red Devils fail to add to their midfield this summer - and GIVEMESPORT transfer correspondent Fabrizio Romano has written in his transfer newsletter that the Cameroonian star will remain on their shortlist for 2026 with a view to potentially 'investing big' in the midfielder.
Baleba only joined Brighton two years ago on a five-year contract from Lille for around £23million, and after a promising first year at the AMEX Stadium, last season saw him come into his own in the centre of their midfield with three goals in 34 Premier League appearances as the Seagulls came eighth in the top-flight.
Romano: Man Utd 'Will Keep' Baleba on Shortlist Ahead of 2026 Move
baleba brighton
United, meanwhile, have continually struggled to find a midfield partner for Bruno Fernandes in Ruben Amorim's 3-4-3 formation, with the midfield two always including the Portugal international alongside a more defensive-type player.
Kobbie Mainoo has not been considered by the gaffer as he is too much like Fernandes, whilst Casemiro has been declining ever since his move to Old Trafford, and Manuel Ugarte has failed to stamp his mark in the 'enforcer' role, leading to interest in Baleba.
And, after reportedly agreeing personal terms with the 21-year-old over a potential move should they make a move in either January or the summer, Romano has written in his GIVEMESPORT transfer newsletter that United are keeping him on their shortlist - though we'll have to wait and see if they will invest 'big' in the midfielder. Romano wrote:
"He’ll stay on Man United list for 2026, for sure, then we will see if they decide to invest big on him or not."
The Red Devils spent a lot of money in the summer transfer window, securing the likes of Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo for their front three - and so far, it's been Baleba's Cameroon teammate who has shone so far after scoring his first Premier League goal for the club against Burnley last weekend.
Should Baleba come in, he'd offer a long-term option to partner Fernandes in midfield and that could set United and INEOS up for future success, with the new owners having also bought top young options to come into the first-team, such as Sesko, Leny Yoro, Senne Lammens and more as they aim to change United's poor fortunes around. The Red Devils have finished outside the top seven in the Premier League in each of the last two seasons, including a record-lowest 15th-placed finish last time out.
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