Manchester United could revisit a January 2026 move for Carlos Baleba
Manchester United had been pushing to bring in Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba during the recently concluded summer transfer window. But Brighton flatly refused to sell.
The Cameroonian is already valued at over £100 million by the Seagulls, which also shows the kind of performances that he has been putting in for them.
There have been reports from Football Insider suggesting that Manchester Reds will return for his signature when the winter window comes around (despite the fact that a summer move appears more realistic given the financials involved in the transaction).
Baleba affected by United links
The Seagulls had been firm on their stance last summer. And which makes it more unlikely that they will sanction a mid-season exit unless a massive bid is made around.
Let’s be honest, from how he has been performing, the 21-year-old’s early-season form has dipped. Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler did admit that the speculations linking him with a move to M16 may have “affected” him.
If we go to the weekend’s 2-2 draw against Tottenham, then he was also substituted at half-time, which ends up adding more salt to these talks of distraction.
And this is the opening that United need. If the player already is swayed by a move to Old Trafford, then you already have an upper hand in terms of negotiations. And this is why the Seagulls may find it harder to retain a player. given that his focus is already elsewhere, and that will especially be so if results continue to suffer.
Baleba to takeover the reigns from Casemiro at M16
Baleba will be seen as a potential successor to Casemiro. Given that the Brazilian midfielder has been a bit bleak in the second phase, United are already pushing to have him out the door. And these rumours have only increased after the red card that he picked up against Chelsea. The 33-year-old has been linked with a Saudi Pro League move. There are rumours that he can potentially end up reuniting with Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr.
The Premier League heavyweights have been desperate to move Casemiro, especially given that it will take those wages off the books. If they don’t sell him when the winter comes around, there is an air of surety that the decision-makers at M16 may allow him to leave for free when his contract expires next summer.
This makes space for a new midfielder in the roster at Old Trafford, and that is where Baleba fits the bill.
WAFU
Carlos Baleba has that combination of physicality, and he has that ability to resist a press, which can come in handy at Old Trafford. But that being said, the question would be whether that hundred million price tag is enough to secure his signatures.
While a January transfer will most likely not come through, there should surely be some talks to reignite when the summer transfer comes around, especially if Casemiro leaves.