Man United need to pay around £100m for Brighton star Carlos Baleba, if they want to sign him this summer.
Brighton holding firm on United target Baleba
Manchester Utd are chasing Carlos Baleba during this summer. It is already looking like one of the toughest transfer battles of the window.
Brighton have no intention of letting their midfield star leave. They will only listen to offers around £100m for their player, as per Graeme Bailey. Talks have taken place through agents, but the Seagulls remain unmoved. Personal terms with the youngster are unlikely to be a issue.
The Cameroonian joined from Lille for just under £26m. He has quickly become one of the most promising midfielders in the PL. With a contract running until 2028, the south coast club know they hold all the cards.
— Matheus Cunha 🇧🇷✅
— Bryan Mbeumo 🇨🇲✅
— Benjamin Šeško 🇸🇮✅
— Carlos Baleba..🇨🇲⏳ #MUFC transfer run has been good 🔴 pic.twitter.com/fpLpk8iGWP
— UtdPaper (@UtdPaper_) August 7, 2025
Red Devils weigh huge bid
If United want Baleba, they may have to smash their own transfer record. Romelu Lukaku’s £90m move from Everton in 2017 still stands as the club’s most expensive signing. But, the Seagulls’ price tag would top that by a fair margin.
Brighton are planning on holding onto their man for at least another year’s service. They would like him to play a part for them in their hunt for European football. In the meantime, Man Utd are closing in on finalising a different deal for Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig. There’s a five-year contract ready for the striker.
Still, head coach Ruben Amorim sees midfield as an area in need of change. Baleba has mix of energy, ball-winning ability and composure under pressure. That has convinced the Red Devils’ that he’s worth the chase.
But, bringing him in from the Amex will take more than just deep pockets. It might take one of the boldest moves in their transfer history. The summer window is open until September 1. For now, it remains to be seen if United will take the next step.
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