Manchester United Weighs Move for Brighton Midfielder Carlos Baleba to Bolster Engine Room

Manchester United is reportedly exploring a move for Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba as the club seeks to inject more athleticism into its central ranks. The interest comes as the Red Devils look to finalize their midfield configuration following a period of significant personnel turnover at Old Trafford.

The recruitment drive follows the departure of veteran anchor Casemiro and a serious knee injury sustained by Manuel Ugarte. While United has already moved to reshape the squad by bringing in Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, the technical staff is reportedly searching for a third addition who possesses the physical profile to dominate the transition phases of the Premier League.

Baleba is a familiar name on the scouting reports at Carrington. Manchester United previously tracked the Cameroonian international last summer, even entering preliminary discussions regarding personal terms. However, a formal bid never materialized during that window. The 20-year-old eventually remained on the South Coast, where Brighton & Hove Albion has continued its reputation for developing high-ceiling talent before demanding premium transfer fees.

Brighton’s hierarchy, led by owner Tony Bloom, is notorious for its disciplined approach to player sales. The club famously secured record-breaking sums for Moises Caicedo and Marc Cucurella in recent years, and they are expected to maintain a similar stance regarding Baleba. Despite the player struggling for consistent starts under manager Fabian Hurzeler last season—appearing in the starting lineup for only 23 league matches—the Seagulls are unlikely to sanction a cut-price exit.

According to market data from Transfermarkt, Baleba is valued in the region of £47 million. He is characterized as a powerful, left-footed defensive specialist capable of making driving runs from deep positions. His profile offers a blend of aerial strength and long-range passing accuracy, attributes that United’s current midfield options, including Santos and Tielemans, are not primarily known for.

United’s hesitation to overspend this summer remains a pivotal factor in any potential deal. If a middle ground cannot be reached with Brighton, the club has identified alternative targets. Among those under consideration are AS Roma’s Manu Kone and Crystal Palace standout Adam Wharton. However, acquiring Wharton would likely present its own set of financial challenges, as Palace has historically placed high valuations on their domestic stars.

The pursuit of Baleba underscores a strategic shift at Old Trafford toward younger, more mobile profiles in the defensive third. Whether the 20-time English champions will formalize their long-standing interest with a concrete proposal before the transfer deadline remains contingent on Brighton’s willingness to negotiate on the final valuation.