MU has made a specific move to recruit central midfielder Carlos Baleba from Brighton, in the context of coach Ruben Amorim wants to consolidate the middle line with a young, maneuvering and potential player.
According to transfer expert David Ornstein (The Athletic), Man United approved the representative to approach Brighton, initially asking to ask BaleBa. Although not officially submitted, Old Trafford's home team is said to be very serious with the deal, because Baleba is considered by Amorim as the “ideal piece” for the 3-4-3 diagram he is building.
Balea, 21, has impressed since joining Brighton from Lille in the summer of 2023 for about £ 26 million. The Cameroon player quickly asserted himself in the Premier League thanks to the aggressive play, the ability to recover impressive balls and the breakthrough dribbling phase. Last season, he played outstanding and was voted as the best young player of Brighton.
Brighton currently does not want to sell BaleBa in the summer transfer window 2025. However, according to many sources, they will sit at the negotiating table if they receive an offer that cannot be denied. The price is estimated at up to £ 70–90 million, depending on the secondary terms.
On the MU side, after completing attacks like Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and approached Benjamin Sesko, the team is turning investment in the middle. The decline in Casemiro while Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo did not have the best performance, BaleBa became a priority target.
However, Man United will need to liquidate some players to ensure the salary fund and comply with financial regulations. Names like Jadon Sancho, Antony, Alejandro Garnacho or Tyrell Malacia can be sold to clear the way for the new rookie.
Carlos BaleBa is a energy -rich midfielder, capable of playing both “number 6” and “8”, consistent with the modern football philosophy that Amorim is applying. Although the deal is still in the early stages, MU's move shows that they are willing to spend to complete the squad for the new season.