Manchester United backed away from transfer target Carlos Baleba this summer after hearing Brighton’s asking price.
It is well known that Ruben Amorim wanted an “athletic” midfielder signed this summer, but the transfer window slammed shut before his wish was answered.
Manchester United were ready to bid for Carlos Baleba after identifying the 21-year-old as a top target, but Brighton’s response was firm.
During talks, Brighton wanted £115m for Baleba – a fee that would have matched the price Chelsea paid for Moises Caicedo back in 2023.
United are willing to wait until 2026 for Baleba, with the window opening back up in January. When it does, Brighton’s asking price might have dropped.
Carlos Baleba in Brighton training kit
Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
Man United target Carlos Baleba’s ‘fair price’ in 2026
United spent over £230m this summer, so there was simply not enough cash remaining in the budget to sanction a deal for Carlos Baleba towards the end of the window.
But United are in a strong PSR position having agreed several deals that should payout in 2026 – including buy clauses for Rasmus Hojlund and Marcus Rashford.
There is no doubt that Baleba will remain at the top of United’s shopping list, and a recent study from CIES Football Observatory has revealed his market value.
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The study states Baleba is Brighton’s most valuable player at a price range between £62m and £73m (€72-€84m).
That is a significant drop from Brighton’s £115 million asking price over the summer, although there is no guarantee that the Premier League club will follow that valuation.
Brighton unlikely to drop Carlos Baleba price until summer 2026
While the transfer window does open back up in January, it’s very much seen as the younger sibling compared to its summer counterpart.
Clubs are not often willing to sell their best players halfway through a season with very little time to source a replacement.
With that in mind, it seems unlikely that Brighton would budge their asking price for Baleba in January when he is seen as a key part of their squad.
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Unless Baleba pushes to join United and forces Brighton’s hand, it seems much more realistic that a deal could be done next summer.
Baleba’s contract is valid until 2028, so Brighton aren’t under much pressure to sell, but that pressure will ramp up in 2026 if United return with a significant offer.