Manchester United are looking to bolster their midfield options before the transfer window closes, with Brighton star Carlos Baleba emerging as a top target
13:34, 08 Aug 2025
Carlos Baleba
Manchester United have made contact over a deal for Carlos Baleba
After a dismal 15th place finish in the Premier League last season, Manchester United have been forced to go big in this summer's transfer market.
A bottom-half finish, a barren trophy cabinet and yet another season marred by off-pitch drama left United heading into the summer with little hope for the 2025/26 season. The 1-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final in Bilbao dashed United's chances of securing a spot in this season's Champions League, marking their first season without European football since 2014/15.
The immediate worry following United's failure to qualify for Europe's top-tier club competition was the impact on this summer's transfer activity. With no European football to entice players and valuable funds missed out on, it was feared United could struggle in the transfer market.
However, with less than four weeks until the September 1 deadline, United are still in the running to pull off their most successful summer window in years - largely thanks to a return to a tried-and-tested strategy.
With a negative goal difference of -10 in the Premier League last season, United have rightly focused on bolstering their attack in this summer's transfer window, so far snapping up Matheus Cunha from Wolves and Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - AUGUST 03: Bryan Mbeumo, Bruno Fernandes and Matheus Cunha of Manchester United celebrate winning the Summer Series league after the Premier League Summer Series match between Manchester United and Everton FC at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on August 03, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox - Premier League/Getty Images)
Manchester United have already signed Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha this summer(Image: Kevin C. Cox - Premier League, Getty Images)
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The pair were among the top performers in the Premier League last season, netting a combined 35 league goals. United didn't hang about in snapping up Cunha, activating his £62.5million buyout clause on day one of the transfer window, before turning their attention to Mbeumo and finally securing his signature last month.
Cunha, well-versed in a three-at-the-back formation, is a perfect match for the left-sided No. 10 role in Ruben Amorim's squad, while Mbeumo brings versatility to the attack.
Both forwards are goal machines and had been linked with moves to Premier League clubs offering Champions League action this upcoming season before they inked long-term contracts at Old Trafford.
Cunha, who sealed his move to United on 12 June, was the first forward United had permanently signed from a Premier League rival since Alexis Sanchez's arrival from Arsenal in January 2018.
LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 05: Carlos Baleba of Brighton & Hove Albion celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Fulham FC and Brighton & Hove Albion FC at Craven Cottage on December 05, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Manchester United want to sign Carlos Baleba(Image: Mike Hewitt, Getty Images)
United were big hitters in the 2017/18 season, making four marquee signings, three of whom were already Premier League players. Before bringing in Sanchez in the mid-season window, Romelu Lukaku and Nemanja Matic were recruited from Everton and Chelsea respectively at the start of the season.
Since signing that trio, United haven't brought in three Premier League players in a single window. However, that could change before this window shuts given their interest in Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba.
Despite their focus on bolstering the attack this summer, United are keen to beef up their midfield before the transfer window slams shut next month. They're lacking some bite and dynamism in the centre of the park, making a fresh midfield addition crucial.
Baleba, 21, made the switch from Lille to Brighton in 2023 and has been on an upward trajectory ever since, emerging as one of the Premier League's most exciting young talents. The Athletic reports that United have 'made contact' with Brighton through intermediaries.
BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - APRIL 12: Carlos Baleba of Brighton & Hove Albion looks on during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion FC and Leicester City FC at Amex Stadium on April 12, 2025 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Carlos Baleba is one of the most exciting midfielders in the Premier League(Image: Mike Hewitt, Getty Images)
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Even though the Cameroonian is only 21 and has just 61 Premier League matches under his belt, he's shown he can cut it at this level. He was among the top all-round midfielders in the league last season, showcasing the qualities United are sorely missing in the middle of the pitch.
Baleba, who has previously spoken about his desire to win trophies, is another success story of Brighton's stellar scouting network. The Seagulls have a knack for discovering hidden talents, nurturing them and then selling them on for a considerable sum.
While no transfer comes with a success guarantee, there's less gamble when you're signing players already proven in the league they're expected to shine in. Cunha and Mbeumo are marquee signings for United, and Baleba would be another if he ends up donning red at Old Trafford.
Following a string of risky bets on foreign imports, it's been a breath of fresh air to see United hark back to their roots this summer. Mbeumo and Cunha are top-notch signings with the right mentality to shine in M16, suggesting Baleba might be next in line.
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This strategy rarely let Sir Alex Ferguson down.