Manchester United transfer news as Carlos Baleba continues to be linked with a move to Old Trafford after intense speculation over the summer
Carlos Baleba is still on Manchester United’s transfer radar(Image: Getty Images)
Manchester United’s long-standing interest in Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba is reportedly set to be revisited in 2026, with Ruben Amorim understood to be a big admirer of him.
United wanted to sign Baleba late in the summer transfer market but could not strike a deal due to Brighton’s high price tag. The Seagulls are thought to have wanted similar to what they got for Moises Caicedo in 2023, which was around £115million.
Amorim landed on not improving his midfield as the window closed with goalkeeper Senne Lammens the only arrival. However, the interest hasn’t cooled, and a move in January hasn’t been ruled out.
Baleba has endured a difficult start to the season for Brighton, and he was replaced at half-time against Tottenham on Saturday. After the game, Fabian Hurzeler discussed United’s interest and its impact on him.
“Everyone has to understand with Carlos, he’s a very young player,” he said. “He’s not a machine. He needs help from us. He tried everything today; he only had 45 minutes in his body, and it’s something that we have to accept.”
He added: “For sure, when a young boy reads that there’s interest from Manchester United with a big, big offer, it might affect him deep. Even if he’s not saying; ‘It affects me’, maybe deep inside of him, there is something that affects him.
Carlos Baleba of Brighton & Hove Albion was linked with a summer move to Manchester United(Image: Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images)
“It’s also part of the development, to understand when you play well and a big club comes, to keep pushing, and to stay humble, to stay at Brighton and make the next step as a team.
“And that’s something we have to keep on working with him and so, therefore, I can’t give you a clear answer if it’s really affected him or not.”
Now, according to Fabrizio Romano, United remain intent on Baleba and Amorim’s appreciation of the Cameroon international could be key in any move. “The last performance of Baleba for Brighton against Tottenham was a really poor one,” Romano said on his YouTube.
“It was not at the level of a player like Baleba. After the game, Fabian Hurzeler was very honest and credit to him because managers sometimes say nothing and move on. That’s probably the case because Baleba wanted to move to Man United and he was keen on the move.
“He’s always been very respectful to Brighton and never forced the move. The problem was only about Brighton and Man United. Brighton never wanted negotiate the price and they always wanted to keep the player.
“They might consider letting him go in 2026 but for summer 2025, it was always a no from Brighton and their chairman. That situation probably affected the player.
“During the transfer window and after, United will keep a close eye on Baleba because he’s appreciated by the management, the recruitment and very much appreciated by Ruben Amorim.”
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