Manchester United are still keen to upgrade their midfield options with a third signing this summer, and they have identified their top choice.
The Reds spent £48m plus a further £2m in add-ons to sign Andrey Santos from Chelsea, before triggering the £35m release clause in Youri Tielemans' Aston Villa contract to bring him to Old Trafford in a surprise move earlier in the summer window. But with Casemiro leaving and Manuel Ugarte injured, the club still want more.
A number of names have been linked with a move to the 20-time English champions, including Real Madrid star Aurelien Tchouameni, but it has now emerged that club chiefs are convinced by another option.
Man Utd Chiefs Convinced by Baleba
brighton carlos baleba
According to journalist Dylan McBennett, Man Utd chiefs are convinced that Brighton star Carlos Baleba would be a transformative signing for the midfield.
Baleba, who has been described as 'world-class', has been a long-term target for the club, and was eyed for a move last summer, with personal terms even agreed between the player and Man Utd. But Brighton's valuation meant a deal didn't materialise.
Despite that, the door hasn't been closed on a deal for this summer at this stage, despite a gap in valuation still being present, and it has been revealed that the club believe he is the perfect midfield signing for this window.
Writing on his X account, McBennett said;
"Baleba still interested in United move. There's a belief he would transform the United midfield if he signed for the club."
Fabrizio Romano has reported that there have been fresh talks recently between the player's camp and Man Utd, but Brighton are still adamant that they won't sell the Cameroon international cheaply, and no club-to-club contact has been initiated at this stage.
Fees correct prior to summer 2026
All 10 found — excellent!
Man United Must Pay to Be Successful
Carlos Baleba during a Brighton & Hove Albion pre-match warm-upvia Reuters
INEOS deserve some credit for the work they have done in the transfer market since coming into Man United, but there is a level of success they haven't been able to get near because they haven't been spending enough.
The top clubs are not afraid to throw the cash around if it means bringing in the player they believe will take them to the next level. Arsenal spent over £100m on Declan Rice and won the Premier League. Chelsea have solidified their midfield future by spending over £350m on Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo, and Morgan Rogers, while City and Liverpool are notoriously big spenders for the right player.
If they truly believe that Baleba is the missing piece of the puzzle, then they need to pay up to get him in. Bringing in alternatives who aren't as good will just mean they need to spend more in the future to replace them, when Baleba is essentially waiting on them at this stage.
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