The latest Manchester United transfer news as the Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder continues to be linked with a move to Old Trafford.
Carlos Baleba continues to be linked with a move to Manchester United ahead of the January transfer window. (Image: Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images)
Manchester United continue to be linked with an interest in Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba ahead of the January transfer window.
United made an approach to the Seagulls during the summer, but were told that it would be an expensive deal to do with Brighton looking for a fee similar to that they got for Moises Caicedo, who joined Chelsea in 2023 for a fee which could reach £115million.
Brighton’s valuation in the summer meant United walked away. However, given their problems in midfield so far this season, it’s a deal they could possibly revisit in the future.
Baleba is continuing his recovery from a knee injury he suffered in the summer. The injury impacted his pre-season preparations and has affected his game time so far this season.
Here is a look at the latest over a possible move to Old Trafford for the 21-year-old:
Brighton manager speaks out
Baleba has been told to ‘stay humble’ by Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler following a slow start to his season. The midfielder was taken off at half time of Brighton’s 2-2 draw with Tottenham on Saturday afternoon.
Following that game, Hurzeler gave his verdict on the player’s start to the campaign. “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.
“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.”
Liverpool links
According to the latest reports, Liverpool could hijack a potential deal for Baleba. TEAMtalk claims that Liverpool could rival United for the player’s signature.
It is said that Arne Slot’s team will closely monitor Baleba over the next few months and then make a decision before the January window.
It is added that the Cameroon international remains a ‘dream’ target for United when the January window opens.
£115m Brighton talks
United reportedly called Brighton on August 15th to inform them that they would not be pursuing a deal for Baleba between then and the end of the window.
The Athletic says that Brighton chief executive Paul Barber made it clear to United that any asking price would be around £115 million. With the player not agitating for the move, United are said to have made a call to the Seagulls as a courtesy, to let them know that a deal wouldn’t be happening.
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