Carlos Baleba Man Utd Transfer: Manchester United‘s search for another midfielder has taken an interesting turn after fresh reports linked the club once again with Brighton star Carlos Baleba. According to TEAMtalk, with information from Dylan McBennett and Fabrizio Romano, the Cameroon international wants the move to Old Trafford and has made that desire clear after last summer’s transfer collapsed.
Carlos Baleba Man Utd Transfer: Brighton stance revives Old Trafford discussion
Brighton have softened their position. 12 months ago, they wanted around £100 million. That figure has now dropped to £70 million, opening the door for fresh discussions if United decide to act before the transfer window closes.
Baleba’s admiration for United is hardly new. Personal terms had already been agreed while Ruben Amorim remained in charge, although everything slowed after his exit. Michael Carrick has since stepped into the dugout, while INEOS continue assessing whether another midfield signing is actually required after securing Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans earlier in the window.
Despite a frustrating campaign filled with transfer speculation, Baleba stayed an important figure for Brighton. He made 31 Premier League appearances during the 2025/26 season, playing 1,667 league minutes with an 87% passing accuracy. He didn’t score or register an assist, while adding three EFL Cup appearances. Away from club football, he remained one of Cameroon’s first names on the teamsheet and started all five matches during their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign.
Scorzo’s take: Should Carlos Baleba Man Utd Transfer happen at £70 million?
There’s no argument over Baleba’s talent. He wins duels, covers huge spaces and recovers possession with real aggression. Midfielders carrying that physical profile don’t appear on the market very often, which explains Brighton’s confidence during negotiations. Still, £70 million feels difficult to justify.
United have already invested heavily in this department. Tielemans brings experience and composure in possession. Andrey Santos arrives as one of South America’s brightest young midfielders after an impressive rise. Kobbie Mainoo still deserves consistent minutes, while Manuel Ugarte remains available for Carrick. Suddenly, that area of the squad looks crowded rather than short.
Baleba’s numbers from last season strengthen the argument against paying such a premium. Zero goals and zero assists across 31 league appearances don’t tell the whole story because his role centres on defensive work, yet they do show that he isn’t the complete midfielder commanding elite money. His passing remained tidy, and his ball-winning qualities stood out, although he still looks like a footballer polishing parts of his game instead of one already sitting in the Premier League’s highest bracket.
Brighton know exactly what they’re doing. Selling to a direct rival always carries an added premium, even after reducing the asking price by £30 million. United don’t need to reward that strategy simply because the player wants the move.
Read: Man Utd set to sell 4 stars this transfer window
We believe Baleba would strengthen Manchester United’s midfield over time. That isn’t the same as saying this deal deserves immediate approval. Spending £70 million after already recruiting Tielemans and Andrey Santos creates an expensive selection headache instead of solving the squad’s biggest concerns. A move for Roma midfielder Manu Koné would represent stronger value, while left-back still looks like the area demanding urgent investment. Baleba may still become one of Europe’s finest holding midfielders, although this doesn’t feel like the right moment for United to commit such a significant fee.