Manchester United are exploring the possibility of signing Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba as they look to strengthen their midfield in the final weeks of the summer transfer window. The 21-year-old Cameroon international has caught the eye with his impressive performances for Brighton, making 34 appearances and scoring three goals during the 2024/25 Premier League season.
With nearly £200 million already spent this summer, United remain keen to bolster their squad further especially in midfield where manager Ruben Amorim is pushing for more creativity to complement his preferred 3-4-3 system. The arrivals of forwards Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha have already added firepower to the attack, and the anticipated signing of RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko is expected to round off their forward line.
Attention now turns to the midfield, where current options include experienced campaigners like Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte, as well as promising youngsters such as Kobbie Mainoo and Toby Collyer. Yet United believe Baleba can bring the kind of pace, ball-carrying ability, and dynamism they currently lack in the middle of the park.
Baleba’s strong ability to dictate play and break up opposition attacks has drawn attention from several top clubs. United have made initial contact through intermediaries to sound out a potential deal, but a transfer appears complicated. Brighton are reluctant to let the midfielder go, especially with three years remaining on his current deal and an option to extend it until 2029.
There is growing concern at United that without offloading players to balance the books, bringing in Baleba this summer might be financially unrealistic. The club is operating with caution following heavy spending and is aware that further additions will require outgoing transfers.
Despite the hurdles, Baleba is seen as an ideal long-term solution to evolve the midfield unit and reduce the creative burden on captain Bruno Fernandes. Amorim wants a player who can progress the ball, relieve pressure, and offer attacking thrust from deeper areas traits Baleba possesses in abundance.
Although a summer move is uncertain, United are expected to keep monitoring the situation closely. Should Brighton soften their stance or United manage to generate funds through sales, a late move in the window or a renewed attempt in January cannot be ruled out.
