Manchester United are pursuing midfielder Carlos Baleba in a move that would continue an outstanding transfer window.
After strengthening the attack with Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko, Manchester United are now looking to midfield.
With Casemiro entering his final season at the club, and the Saudi Pro League likely to take another run at Bruno Fernandes in 2026, the midfield position is one that needs strengthening long-term.
And the concerning pre-season performances of Manuel Ugarte suggest that more urgent action is required.
The player Manchester United fans want is Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, and it emerged last week that the Red Devils have made an approach, via David Ornstein.
Carlos Baleba strides forward with the ball for Brighton
Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images
Carlos Baleba to Man Utd hints
A move to sign Carlos Baleba is difficult due to the finances involved. Brighton are looking for a huge fee similar to the one they received for the player he replaced,
But one positive is that a player who cites Paul Pogba as his idol is unlikely to turn down a career-boosting move to Old Trafford.
The first hint that Baleba is interested in a transfer move comes from the actions of his agents, with Fabrizio Romano claiming there is daily contact from Manchester United.
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Romano said on YouTube: “I want to confirm that Man Utd are speaking again and again, even on August 9, with the agents of Carlos Baleba about the contract and salary.
“They want to advance on the player’s side.”
There have been instances where clubs have used United to gain a better contract from their current sides, so that is also something to bear in mind as a counter-point.
A second hint regarding Baleba’s interest came from the player’s Instagram account, where he ‘liked’ a post from a Manchester United star.
Baleba gave his seal of approval to Leny Yoro’s Instagram post over the weekend, where the defender wrote: “Back home”, after playing at Old Trafford for the first time since May.
Yoro and Baleba were teammates at Lille. But the Brighton star was the only ex-Ligue 1 star to ‘like’ his post.
Manchester United attempting to raise funds for Carlos Baleba
Manchester United’s chances of signing Carlos Baleba will depend on the club’s ability to balance the books.
Brighton have shown they can be brought down on their high price tag, with Chelsea managing to land Joao Pedro for £50 million after he was originally touted at double.
United are attempting to sell Antony, Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho and Rasmus Hojlund.
A lot has to go right with these deals, but potentially these sales could entirely fund a move for Carlos Baleba.
That is the hard part. Convincing Baleba to make the move to Manchester United looks like the easy aspect.