Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba.(Image: 2025 Getty Images)
Manchester United's interest in Carlos Baleba didn't last long in the summer transfer window.
Brighton valued Baleba at around £100million, which made it tricky for United to finance a deal, and they outlined that they were "very confident" he would remain at the Amex Stadium.
The Seagulls had planned to have Baleba for at least another season. United sources eventually said [the midfield was not a priority](https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/manchester-united-not-sign-midfielder-32393463) due to already having squad options viewed as strong and versatile.
Baleba was considered at one stage in the summer transfer window, though, and United may have made an offer for the 21-year-old if they hadn't already spent a hefty sum.
United prioritised overhauling their attack and signing Senne Lammens. They were happy to delay their interest in signing a midfielder until next summer, so will Baleba be revisited at the end of the season?
There is potential for interest in Baleba to be reignited next summer, although his performances this season have not been great, which might raise a few concerns.
Baleba was substituted at half-time against Everton in August and didn't look like a player worth £100m when he came off the bench against Bournemouth in September.
Speaking after Bournemouth, Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler admitted he was struggling. "I think it’s normal for a young player when the media creates the noise around him," he said.
"It’s not easy for this player to handle it. Therefore, we need to give him the time and support so he comes back to his best performance.
"But he’s a young player and I think that’s something we have to accept, that young players don’t always have the face we want to see. It’s our responsibility to help them in the right moments."
When asked specifically if the interest from United had affected the midfielder, the Brighton boss added: "I think everyone gets affected, especially when you are that young and you hear these kinds of things, no matter if they are wrong or right. But it’s just noise we don’t need."
Baleba must improve and put an underwhelming start to the campaign behind him if he wants to earn a move to Old Trafford, where he will make an appearance on Saturday evening.
It wouldn't be a surprise to see Baleba deliver his best performance of the season in Manchester this weekend, given Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox will be present in the directors' box.
Baleba will probably see the game as a transfer audition. However, to be worth £100m, Baleba must deliver consistently strong performances each week, not just when the time feels right to perform.
Brighton have a reputation for exporting players for huge fees and are unlikely to budge on their valuation next summer, so it's down to Baleba to perform like a player worth that fee.
There are currently doubts about whether he is worth such an outlay.