Manchester United are still leading the race for Carlos Baleba
Manchester United were dismal in the previous season. The team finished 15th in the 2024/25 Premier League and lost another opportunity by losing to Spurs in the Europa League final. This result ensured their exclusion from European competitions in the upcoming season 2025/26.
Ruben Amorim took over as manager midway through last season, but the team’s inconsistencies in performance did not change. Now this summer the club have signalled a new direction by signing Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and young Diogo Leon. Benjamin Sesko has also been included to fill the striker’s gap after Rasmus Hojlund’s failures last season. The first match of the season is against Arsenal at Old Trafford in the Premier League, and this will be the start of a new chapter.
Preparations for the new season and the buzz in the background
Changes in the playing style and tactics have begun to be seen since Amorim’s arrival. More aggressive pressing and faster transitions are evident in his system. The team’s mood in pre-season seems more positive than before, especially due to new signings, but the club’s hustle and bustle in the transfer market is not over yet.
Manchester United are still leading the race for Carlos Baleba.
Carlos Baleba’s transfer saga has turned into a new battleground between Premier League giants Manchester United and Manchester City
Another big move is being prepared in the background, which could change the picture of the team’s midfield. Amorim is definitely aware that if United are to return to the top-4, then a strong and energetic player is needed in midfield.
Carlos Baleba: New midfield target
Brighton’s 21-year-old midfielder Carlos Baleba is currently on the radar of Europe’s big clubs. His technical ability, ball control and physical strength have impressed several scouts. According to reports from CaughtOffside, United have been in talks with Baleba for the past few weeks, and personal terms have been agreed. We reported earlier as well that United were ready to enter into talks with Brighton.
Meanwhile, the CO report has made it clear that the player has made it clear to Brighton that he wants to come to Old Trafford, but with a contract until 2028, Brighton are demanding a high amount, but we are still leading the race for the Cameroon international. Moreover, Ruben Amorim is also a big fan of the midfielder
Coming to his attributes, Baleba is a midfielder who can bring balance to both defence and attack. His ball progression and ability to outwit the opposition with his dribbling skills, as well could also give the team a new dynamic. However, Brighton’s £120m price tag could prove to be a hefty one for United, especially after having already spent heavily on Cunha, Mbeumo and Sesko this summer. However, the player’s willingness to come to Old Trafford is a huge plus for United.
Our opinion: Bold but difficult move
We think United going after Baleba is a bold but challenging decision. Brighton’s demands are club record-breaking, and they are not going to bow down easily on the transfer table. For United, this deal would only be possible if they could raise funds by selling players like Antony or Jadon Sancho, and Garnacho. If Amorim can sign him, he could form the centre of midfield alongside Kobbie Mainoo in a 3-4-3 or 4-2-3-1. His defensive work and ball recovery would give Bruno Fernandes more attacking freedom.
This transfer hinges on financial structuring and United’s bargaining skills. If United can pull it off, the midfield could be revitalised, and this time, Old Trafford fans won’t just be hoping for a good season—they’ll be hoping for a comeback.