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Manchester United have had a keen interest in Brighton and Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba for some time now as The Red Devils approached The Seagulls about a move in the summer.
Towards the end of the summer transfer window, after recruiting three new attackers, United acknowledged their need for a new midfielder, with Baleba at the top of their list.
However, a hefty £120 million price tag from Brighton stopped United in their tracks, and any other club, as The Seagulls aimed to retain their star man.
Last season Baleba was instrumental to their success, coming eighth overall in the Premier League, even grabbing four goals and two assists from defensive midfield.
However this season hasn’t quite gone the same way.
In ten appearances so far, Baleba has been taken off at half-time on three occasions, with manager Fabian Hurzeler previously addressing the slump amid interest from Manchester United.
The Brighton boss commented: “When a young boy reads there is interest from Manchester United with a big, big offer, it might affect him deep down.”
However, as the January transfer window looms ever closer, The Sun has now reported that Baleba has held private talks with Hurzeler over his current situation.
The report explains that despite United continuing to monitor Carlos Baleba, the Cameroon international has reassured Hurzeler that his head is still with Brighton.
It’s also understood that the interest from United isn’t the only thing affecting Baleba’s performances on the pitch, with a knee injury affecting his pre-season.
As such, the midfielder suffered a knock to both his confidence and consistency coming into the 2025/26 campaign; however seemed back to form in their most recent match against Newcastle United, winning 2-1.
Whilst the news expresses that Baleba isn’t rocking the boat and is committed to Brighton, towards the end of the summer, it was reported that Baleba wanted a move to Old Trafford, however wouldn’t force the move and burn bridges with The Seagulls.
As such, this doesn’t necessarily rule out a move to United for the talented midfielder, with Bryan Mbeumo seen as Baleba’s “big brother” in the Cameroon camp, trying to lure him away from Brighton.
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