Manchester United have reportedly opened discussions with the representatives of Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, showing a clear desire to bring the promising young midfielder to Old Trafford before the end of the summer transfer window. Sources familiar with the situation say that early conversations with Baleba’s camp have gone well, and there appears to be no disagreement over personal terms.
At just 20 years old, the Cameroonian has become a priority target for Erik ten Hag, who is looking to reinforce the midfield in preparation for a high-stakes season. Baleba’s style — marked by calmness in possession, smart movement, and the ability to progress play from deep — has caught United’s attention as they aim to build a more energetic and technically refined midfield.
However, the main obstacle lies not with the player, but with his club. Brighton are reportedly demanding a hefty £104 million for the midfielder, a figure that reflects both Baleba’s importance to the team and the Seagulls’ reputation for playing hardball in the transfer market. The club has become known for placing steep valuations on their stars and rarely backing down unless the offer includes attractive add-ons or a clever payment plan.
Despite the price, United remain eager to push forward. With signings like Benjamin Šeško, Jarrad Branthwaite, and Jeremie Frimpong already secured, adding Baleba would further highlight the club’s strategy of investing in youth and long-term development. Ten Hag is reportedly convinced that the midfield still needs strengthening, and Baleba fits perfectly into the profile United and their new owners are targeting — young, talented, and capable of becoming world-class.
Though Brighton’s valuation may seem excessive for a player with just one full Premier League campaign, the club holds significant leverage. Baleba is under a long contract, is central to their plans, and is in no rush to leave. That puts United in a position where creative negotiation — such as staggered payments, performance-based bonuses, or even including players in a potential swap — might be necessary to make a deal happen.
Bringing in Baleba could be a smart long-term move for United. It would provide depth, balance, and a potential partnership with Kobbie Mainoo that could form the heart of the team for years to come. While the fee is high, the benefits of securing such a profile now may outweigh the risks, especially if the club can make the deal more financially manageable.
Should United succeed in pulling it off, it would mark the culmination of a bold summer rebuild, one aimed not only at improving immediate performance but also at laying the groundwork for sustained success in the Premier League and Europe.
