“The situation has changed significantly, and while the club fought hard to keep him, there is now an understanding that a departure could happen under the right conditions.” — Brighton have reportedly ACCEPTED defeat in their efforts to keep Carlos Baleba, opening the door for a potential Manchester United move
Manchester United’s pursuit of Carlos Baleba has been given fresh impetus after Brighton significantly lowered their asking price for the Cameroonian midfielder. With Casemiro due to leave when his contract expires, United are actively seeking midfield reinforcements this summer, and Baleba has been on their radar for some time.
Brighton had previously set their valuation at around £100 million, a figure that effectively ended any realistic prospect of a deal. However, with Baleba’s form having dropped noticeably this season, the Seagulls have revised their expectations downward — and United may now be willing to revisit their interest.
Brighton appear to be planning for life without him regardless, having already scouted Ghanaian youngster Caleb Yirenkyi of Danish club Nordsjaelland as a potential replacement. Baleba, 22, still has three years remaining on his current deal.
It is worth noting that Brighton CEO Paul Barber stated in January that no approach from United had been received. He made clear at the time that the club had no desire to part with Baleba mid-season, while acknowledging the player’s talent and the options that would eventually open up for him.
Baleba is far from United’s only target in that area of the pitch. Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson is understood to be under consideration, with reports suggesting United have already accepted they may need to pay a premium for him. Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes have also been mentioned in connection with a move to Old Trafford.
Rio Ferdinand, however, has made his preference clear. The former United defender believes Anderson is currently ahead of the pack, describing him as the type of energetic, ground-covering midfielder the club genuinely needs. While Ferdinand acknowledged the quality of Tonali and Guimaraes, he argued United require someone more dynamic and physically robust — qualities he feels Anderson currently demonstrates better than most. Ferdinand also hinted there are other younger names he is tracking, though he declined to name them publicly.
