Manchester United forward Bryan Mbeumo is reportedly playing an active role in trying to lure his Cameroon teammate Carlos Baleba to Old Trafford. The duo, who share a strong bond from their time together in the national team, could soon become club teammates if Mbeumo’s persuasion proves successful.
Mbeumo, who joined Manchester United in a high-profile £71 million move from Brentford, is said to be urging Baleba to consider a switch to the Red Devils. During the recent international break, the pair spent considerable time together, with Mbeumo reportedly encouraging the Brighton midfielder to make the move to Manchester. The forward views Baleba as a “little brother,” and their friendship has grown over the past year through shared national duties with Cameroon.
Their close connection was on display in September when Mbeumo was seen consoling Baleba after Cameroon’s shock defeat to Cape Verde, where he protected the young midfielder from fans who had invaded the pitch. The camaraderie between the two has since fueled speculation that Mbeumo could play a key role in convincing Baleba to join him in Manchester.
Manchester United’s interest in Baleba is not new. The club made inquiries last summer, but Brighton’s strong stance and valuation—reportedly exceeding £100 million—prevented any formal move. The Seagulls signed Baleba from Lille for £23 million as a replacement for Moises Caicedo, who left for Chelsea in a record sale. Since then, Baleba’s value has soared following a standout debut season in the Premier League.
However, the current campaign has been more challenging for the young midfielder. Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler admitted that constant transfer rumors have affected Baleba’s focus, noting that it’s difficult for a young player to ignore links to a club of United’s stature. Despite this, Hurzeler remains committed to guiding Baleba through this phase, emphasizing the importance of patience, humility, and consistent growth.
For Manchester United, who are enduring a difficult start to the season under manager Ruben Amorim and sit mid-table, Baleba’s addition could provide much-needed energy and creativity in midfield. As the Red Devils prepare for a tough clash with Liverpool, Mbeumo’s influence off the pitch might be as important as his performance on it. Meanwhile, Baleba is expected to feature for Brighton against Newcastle before facing Mbeumo and United in what could be a glimpse of the future.
