Manchester United have ‘made contact’ over the attainable switch of Brighton and Hove Albion defensive midfielder Carlos Baleba this summer season, in keeping with David Ornstein.
Baleba has developed into one of many Premier League’s most extremely regarded younger midfielders since arriving from Lille in 2023.
He has featured 77 instances for Brighton, netting 4 objectives and offering two assists — all of which got here through the 2024–25 season, the place he made 40 appearances throughout all competitions.
Ruben Amorim is eager on including a dynamic presence to enrich both Bruno Fernandes or Kobbie Mainoo in his 3-4-3 setup, and Baleba seems to be the perfect profile to thrive below the Portuguese supervisor’s system.
Now, in keeping with David Ornstein, the Pink Devils have ‘made contact’ by way of intermediaries to discover the opportunity of signing the Cameroon worldwide this summer season.
With a contract on the Amex Stadium that runs till 2028 with an possibility of one other yr, the switch skilled claims that Brighton are unwilling to permit the 21-year-old to depart the membership this summer season amid United’s curiosity, and each events are conscious {that a} attainable transfer could also be unimaginable.
Nevertheless, the Premier League giants stay eager on the teen and expect to grasp the opportunity of the deal within the coming days.
Audacious swoop
Manchester United’s summer season enterprise is way from full, with the main target now shifting in the direction of reinforcing the midfield at Outdated Trafford.
Thus far, their recruitment has leaned closely on enhancing the assault, with Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo already signed, and Benjamin Sesko probably becoming a member of if all goes in keeping with plan.
Nevertheless, central midfield stays a priority, notably the dearth of a bodily dominant presence—a void that Baleba may fill with transformative impact.
The 21-year-old is a standout defensive expertise, combining relentless vitality and tempo with composure on the ball and distinctive passing capacity. The Cameroonian has typically drawn comparisons to Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo resulting from their shared mix of tenacity and technical high quality.
Premier League-proven midfielders of Baleba’s calibre and age are uncommon, and whereas a deal could show tough—with Brighton more likely to demand a charge exceeding his £34m Transfermarkt valuation—United can be clever to discover and pursue each avenue attainable to deliver him to Outdated Trafford this summer season.
