Carlos Baleba has opened up on his links with Manchester United over the summer.
Back in August, the Red Devils made their first approach for Baleba by holding talks with the midfielder to gauge where his head was at over a potential move.
They quickly learned that the 21-year-old was open to the move, and was willing to cut ties with Brighton and Hove Albion to make the switch to Old Trafford after two years at the Amex.
However, Brighton themselves were unwilling to facilitate such a deal for a player who had proven to be integral to Fabian Hurzeler’s system, especially in his sophomore Premier League season last term.
The only way the Seagulls would’ve done business is if their financial demands were met. They valued – and still do – Baleba in the region of £115 million, viewing him in the same bracket as his predecessor, Moises Caicedo.
Caicedo set a British record fee when he joined Chelsea in August 2023, hence Brighton scouts scouring the market for a like-for-like alternative in the form of Baleba from Lille.
Although the Cameroon international was keen on signing for United, he didn’t go as far as forcing a Brighton exit or handing in a transfer request, and instead obliged with the club’s desires to keep hold of him – even if only for another season.
It’s expected United will revive their pursuit at the end of 2025/2026, with most sports betting sites viewing the Theatre of Dreams as his most likely destination.
By then, Baleba’s price tag may well have changed, too, given his performances haven’t been up to his usual standard since the campaign got underway.
He has been hooked at the interval on three occasions already, and featured for just six minutes in Brighton’s win over Nottingham Forest after dropping to the bench at the City Ground.
When put on the spot regarding his discussions with United over the summer, he told Sky: “I do not think it affected me, but I had a lot of pressure on me”.
“I wanted to have the same performances as last season. Every day I try to work hard and to get back to my level.”
Additionally, Hurzeler previously conceded that the short-lived saga has had an impact on Baleba’s mindset.
“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,” said the head coach.
“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.”
