Manchester United’s pursuit to sign the young midfielder Carlos Baleba from Brighton has reportedly hit a roadblock due to a steep asking price.
Carlos Baleba to Manchester United may not happen this summer transfer window as the Red Devils are not willing to meet the steep price put forward by his current club. Brighton and Hove Albion reportedly want in excess of £100 million to allow the 21-year-old Cameroonian to sign with United.
Baleba has emerged as the next big transfer target for Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United after they completed a swoop for three forwards – Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko.
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After completing the attacking deals, Man United are now looking to add a defensive midfielder to their set-up, who can allow them to give more freedom to club captain Bruno Fernandes.
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Man United ‘unwilling’ to pay big for Baleba
But spoiling United’s plan are Brighton and their steep demand. They want at least £100 million or more for Baleba. As per a few reports, they want £115 million for Baleba, the same as they received for Moises Caicedo when he moved to Chelsea in 2023.
However, Manchester United are “unwilling” to meet the value Brighton has set for Baleba, reported The Telegraph. The club has already spent over £200 million in the current transfer window, despite co-owner Jim Ratcliffe implementing several cost-cutting measures last season.
As per reports, around 450 employees at the club were laid off last season as it was facing a severe financial crisis. However, United’s aggressive transfer spending this season suggests otherwise.
The report added that United have not made any direct contact yet with Brighton to sign Balaeba and all communications are happening through intermediaries.
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While Baleba joining Manchester United is looking highly unlikely at the moment, don’t be surprised if things change after the club manages to sell a few players.
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