‘Wonderful’ EPL star now available at £40m discount; He already agreed Man Utd terms

The price tag of Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba has significantly fallen, thus raising alarm bells at Manchester United.

The 21-year-old was the first name on the Red Devils’ midfield shortlist last summer. However, the Premier League giants were repelled by the Seagulls’ staggering asking price, as they refused to let the player leave for anything less than £115 million.

Instead of searching the market for a cheaper alternative, United simply postponed their midfield search for another year. At the time, Fabrizio Romano insisted that INEOS would launch a new onslaught for Baleba in the summer of 2026.

Carlos Baleba available for £74 million in 2026?

Last season, the Cameroonian was described as an ‘absolutely wonderful’ player following his inspiring displays for Brighton. But this season, the youngster has fallen from grace, struggling for form and consistency.

Many observers believe the player has his mind elsewhere after promising himself a move to Old Trafford. After all, Baleba and his entourage had already agreed personal terms with MUFC, as recently confirmed by The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell.

So, according to German journalist Philipp Kessler, Brighton could be open to selling the midfield enforcer for €85 million (circa £74.3m). This means that the player’s asking price has dropped by just over £40 million.

Bayern have Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba (21) on their shortlist as Leon Goretzka's future beyond this season remains uncertain. The Premier League side could be open to offers of around €85m in 2026. It's questionable, however, whether Bayern would be willing to spend that… pic.twitter.com/KtsjyHAyRR

— Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) December 4, 2025

However, the source warns Man Utd of competition from Bayern Munich, who have added Baleba to their shortlist. They consider him a potential replacement for Leon Goretzka, whose future remains shrouded in mystery. The German’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season.

Should Man Utd be tempted by Baleba’s discount?

Given that United already had an agreement in place with the player last summer, one would imagine that the Old Trafford outfit would be ahead in the race.

Nevertheless, the question is whether the Reds are still willing to pursue Baleba with the same passion as last summer, despite his steep decline in form.

At the moment, it appears that Jason Wilcox and Co. are more inclined to Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson. Even Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton may have already usurped Baleba on the shortlist.

It should be said that Brighton’s asking price last summer was blown out of proportion, and one might argue that £75 million is also a hefty figure for a player who is struggling to earn an automatic starting role at a mid-table club.