Manchester United are facing a serious obstacle in their pursuit of Carlos Baleba
Manchester United supporters have grown familiar with transfer sagas that stretch over several windows, and the rising interest in Carlos Baleba feels like another chapter in that pattern. The Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder has caught attention with his mix of strength, athleticism, and close control, while his ability to win duels in tight areas has already marked him out as one of the most exciting young players in the Premier League. United made enquiries last summer but stepped away when Brighton set a valuation of £120 million. The price tag clearly shows that Brighton regard him highly.
Baleba at the centre of speculation
The debate has now taken a fresh twist as Pete O’Rourke reports in Football Insider that Liverpool monitor his situation. This development puts added pressure on United at a time when they need reinforcements more than ever. The Red Devils ended the 2024-25 campaign in 15th place, their lowest finish in the Premier League era, and that collapse exposed weaknesses throughout the squad. A midfielder like Baleba could reshape the balance, especially alongside Kobbie Mainoo, but the question is whether Old Trafford remains an attractive destination.
Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler suggested the transfer talk distracted the 21-year-old, yet the midfielder continues to start games and stay central to their plans. Brighton will hold firm on their valuation because they built a reputation for selling only on their terms. United’s worry go beyond the fee because they have missed out on European competition, and that takes away a bargaining chip that rivals like Liverpool can use with ease.
“I think it’d be concerning for Manchester United if they are sort of monitoring that situation. Carlos Baleba is a top player.
“Man United inquired about him in the summer and Brighton’s price tag of around £100million scared United off.
“United still firmly have him on the radar, probably for next summer rather than the January window, and if Liverpool are in the market for a central-defensive midfielder, I’m sure Baleba will be someone who’s also on their list as well.
“If it came down to who could land them, it’d be worrying for United because they probably need Champions League football to try and convince Baleba to make that move.
Manchester United’s wider transfer challenges
The uncertainty around Baleba reflects other concerns in United’s recruitment strategy. United have looked at reinforcements in different positions, and we reported earlier that Manchester United looked at the Eintracht Frankfurt goalkeeper Kauã Santos, while links with Conor Gallagher have resurfaced as the former Chelsea midfielder pushes for a Premier League move in January 2026. These stories show that United must rebuild in several areas instead of focusing only on one midfield signing.
Meanwhile, the Cameroon midfielder would find a struggling United without Champions League football less appealing than moving to Liverpool, who still compete at the top level. Yet many believe United see him as central to their long-term rebuild, a player who could restore bite and energy in a midfield that often looks overrun. The race for his signature could run into next summer, and unless United improve on the pitch, they risk seeing another elite prospect choose a rival who offers more than tradition and reputation alone.