Manchester United's pursuit of Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba remains a live topic at Old Trafford, with club officials reportedly holding continuous discussions about a potential move for the highly-rated star.
United's Persistent Midfield Hunt
The Red Devils identified central midfield as a key area for reinforcement ahead of the January transfer window. Baleba, valued at over £100 million by Brighton, sits prominently on their shortlist alongside Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton and Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson.
United's interest in the 21-year-old Cameroon international is not new. The club made contact with Brighton towards the end of the summer 2025 transfer window, following significant attacking signings like Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo. However, the Seagulls' firm £100m-plus valuation and manager Fabian Hurzeler's confidence in keeping the player saw the deal collapse as the deadline passed.
Amorim's 'Ideal Solution'
According to renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, United's head coach Ruben Amorim views Baleba as the perfect candidate for the crucial defensive midfield role. "I can guarantee that Manchester United, even in the internal talks at the club, have not stopped discussing the name of Carlos Baleba," Romano stated on his official YouTube channel.
He added that Baleba is "seen, still, as an ideal solution by Ruben Amorim and people at the club" for the number six position. The player, currently representing Cameroon at the Africa Cup of Nations, is said to be "super appreciated" by the United hierarchy.
January Move Unlikely But Interest Endures
Despite the ongoing admiration, a transfer in the January window is currently viewed as improbable. Romano indicated that United remain in contact with the player's representatives and would be ready to act if Brighton's stance on selling were to change, either next month or in the summer.
Baleba himself addressed the summer speculation before departing for AFCON, admitting it brought pressure but did not affect him negatively. "I don't think it affected me. But I had a lot of pressure on me," he said, acknowledging he may have put too much pressure on himself to maintain his high performance levels.
While German giants Bayern Munich have also been linked with an interest, Romano reports that no formal talks have taken place. Baleba's contract at the Amex Stadium runs until June 2028, leaving Brighton in a strong negotiating position for one of the Premier League's most promising young talents.
