Manchester United look to be the favourites to sign Carlos Baleba from Brighton and Hove Albion next year.
Indeed, the Red Devils have been deemed his ‘preferred destination’ by reporter Ben Jacobs, who adds that Baleba has adopted a ‘similar mindset’ to summer signings Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha.
The pair were adamant about joining United in the summer irrespective of the fact that they failed to qualify for Europe and were on the back of a 15th-placed league finish. Mbeumo, in particular, turned down interest from Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United to become a Red.
🚨 Man United have strategically positioned themselves as the preferred destination for Carlos Baleba and hold a significant advantage because the midfielder is keen on the move.
Baleba is in a similar mindset to players like Cunha and Mbeumo, having his heart set on the move… pic.twitter.com/FYlLb4qN3T
— The United Stand (@UnitedStandMUFC) November 13, 2025
What’s United’s stance on Baleba?
In turn, United are also unfazed by the Seagulls starlet’s drop in form this campaign.
The 21-year-old, hailed as ‘absolutely wonderful’ by the Match of the Day panel, has been hooked at the interval in two matches since 2025/2026 got underway and dropped to the bench for Brighton’s clash with Bournemouth.
Head coach Fabian Hurzeler conceded that Baleba’s performances and mindset have likely been impacted by the fact that he was approached by the 20-time champions in the last transfer window.
What Hurzeler had to say about United’s approach for Baleba
“For sure, when a young boy reads there is interest from Manchester United with a big, big offer, it might affect him deep, deep down,” Hurzeler told reporters.
“That’s also part of the development to understand that when you play well, there comes a big offer, there comes a big club that wants to have him.”
In the event they are made to part ways with the Cameroonian, Brighton are expected to demand over £100 million for his signature.
They view him in the same bracket as Moises Caicedo, for whom Chelsea shelled out £115m – a British record fee – to sign in 2023.
100m is a lot of money for Baleba even if we need him badly. But maybe a swap deal can bring down the price.
We will most likely need at least 2 midfielders, and a CB. also. We definitely need a midfielder in January and Stiller or Guerra could be the ones we go for. Before all this happens we should give Kone, Fletcher, and Devaney, a chance. We need more mobility in midfield if we are to get into Champions League spot.
He’s not worth £40m, let alone £100m. Far better players in DM/CM around than him. Plus, you can’t fill your teams full of African players knowing they’ll miss up to 6 weeks of club football while they play in the African Nations Cup. Which itself is a ridiculous situation.
He’s not worth that much 100+