Manchester United were heavily linked with a move for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba during the summer transfer window
Carlos Baleba in action for Brighton
Carlos Baleba was of interest to Manchester United in the summer(Image: Photo by Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images)
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Manchester United's unsuccessful pursuit of Carlos Baleba continues to loom large as they prepare to face Brighton on Saturday. Despite their best efforts, the Red Devils were unable to secure a central midfielder during the transfer window, with Baleba being a key target throughout the summer.
Brighton stood firm in their stance that the 21-year-old star was not for sale, even going so far as to slap a whopping £115million price tag on the Cameroon international - a fee they had previously received from Chelsea for Moises Caicedo in 2023.
While United may have other targets in mind, their interest in Baleba has not completely waned. The player is contracted until 2028, but there is speculation that a move to Old Trafford could be on the cards in the near future with Baleba believed to be open to joining United, while Bryan Mbeumo is also rumoured to be helping out.
Baleba open to move
According to The Athletic, personal terms were already agreed between Baleba and United over the summer, fuelling speculation that a move could still happen down the line, as per the Manchester Evening News.
The midfielder remains on United's radar heading into 2026. Club officials were also reportedly delighted to discover that the Brighton star was open to a move last summer, despite the absence of European football this season.
Brighton's brutal response
Brighton supremo Tony Bloom brutally dismissed suggestions that United's pursuit of Carlos Baleba constituted a "saga" whatsoever.
The Seagulls chief provided a glimpse into the discussions and insisted that United swiftly abandoned their interest once told that the midfielder was not for sale.
Brighton's chairman Tony Bloom reacts ahead of the English FA Cup semi-final football match between Manchester United and Brighton and Hove Albion at Wembley Stadium
Brighton's chairman Tony Bloom addressed Baleba to United
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In conversation with The Argus, he said: "I don't think Baleba was a saga. There was interest from Manchester United, and we said that he wasn't available this summer and they went away.
"So we've had many bigger sagas in the past. But Carlos Baleba, his improvement has been immense. Massively important player to this football club, and just delighted that he's with us for this season."
Bryan Mbeumo's role
Sources indicate that Mbeumo has been acting as an unofficial recruiter while representing Cameroon on the international stage, reportedly attempting to persuade Baleba to link up with him at Old Trafford.
Bryan Mbeumo during the Premier League match between Brentford and Manchester United at Brentford Community Stadium.
Bryan Mebumo has been on international duty with Cameroon alongside Carlos Baleba
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Both players were representing Cameroon during the most recent international fixtures. According to the Sun, Mbeumo seized the chance to discuss Baleba's prospects with the youngster.
The publication suggests that the United attacker has even adopted a 'big brother' role with the 21-year-old. Nevertheless, it is understood that any potential move is more probable next summer rather than during the forthcoming January transfer window.
Baleba back to his best
It could be argued that the collapse of his proposed transfer has impacted Baleba's form during the opening months of the campaign. Yet the young midfielder insists he has rediscovered his peak performance levels ahead of Brighton's showdown with United.
Following the Seagulls' victory over Newcastle on Saturday, Baleba celebrated with a social media post. Alongside several images from the match, he wrote: "Good team win and I'm feeling like myself again. #areyouabaleba."
Carlos Baleba of Brighton and Hove Albion on the ball during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers FC and Brighton & Hove Albion FC at Molineux on May 10, 2025 in Wolverhampton, England
Carlos Baleba is understood to be Manchester United's No. 1 target(Image: 2025 Allstar)
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In a fascinating twist, United star Leny Yoro showed his approval by liking the post. Baleba endured a difficult beginning to the campaign, with Seagulls manager Fabian Hurzeler openly demanding better displays from the player.
Speaking before the Magpies fixture, the Brighton manager insisted Baleba must focus on his duties whilst he remains at the club. "He can't change the noise around him, he's a player for Brighton," he said.
"No matter what the rumours are, he will be a player for Brighton until [at least] the end of the season. But now he has to take responsibility."
Chelsea warning
While United monitor the situation, they have received a stark warning that Chelsea might make their move for Baleba. Ex-Aston Villa forward Gabby Agbonlahor even posted on social media, fuelling speculation.
He said: "Imagine him [Carlos Baleba] at Chelsea, imagine a midfield of Baleba, Caicedo and Fernandez, oh my god." Chelsea boast an extensive track record of prising players away from the Seagulls, to put it mildly.
Over the past few years, Joao Pedro, Robert Sanchez, Caicedo and Marc Cucurella have all swapped the Amex Stadium for west London.
The Blues even managed to lure former manager Graham Potter away from the South Coast club, although it's best not to dwell on how that move panned out.
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