INEOS will pursue coveted PL star in 2026 irrespective of whether Amorim stays, Keane thinks he’s ‘fantastic’

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·30. September 2025

INEOS will pursue coveted PL star in 2026 irrespective of whether Amorim stays, Keane thinks he’s ‘fantastic’

Manchester United remain admirers of Carlos Baleba and are already planning how they can test Brighton and Hove Albion’s resolve next year.

Back in the summer, the two clubs held talks over a potential deal for the midfielder after United established their interest.

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What happened between Baleba and United over the summer?

Baleba signed for the Seagulls from Lille in 2023 in a £23.2m deal. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

The Red Devils received assurances from Baleba that he was keen to make the move to Old Trafford if it became possible. However, he didn’t go as far as forcing a transfer, instead respecting Brighton’s decision to keep hold of him.

Brighton were reluctant to part ways with their highly-rated star just one season into his tenure, although reports did suggest that a bid in excess of £100 million would’ve twisted their arm into sanctioning his departure.

At that stage of the summer, United opted against taking their pursuit any further. INEOS were prioritising forward additions and, closer to deadline day, a new shot-stopper, so conceded that not all areas of the squad could be revamped in one transfer window.

Reds retain Baleba interest

As such, TeamTalk now claim United will return for the 21-year-old in 2026 irrespective of whether Ruben Amorim is still in charge.

INEOS believe their initial approach will have done enough to begin turning Baleba’s head, with his own manager Fabian Hurzeler claiming that the links with United in recent months have distracted him on the pitch since 2025/2026 got underway.

“For sure, when a young boy reads there is interest from Manchester United with a big, big offer, it might affect him deep, deep down. That’s also part of the development to understand that when you play well, there comes a big offer, there comes a big club that wants to have him,” said the Brighton boss earlier this month.

The Cameroonian international has previously been hailed as a ‘fantastic’ talent by none other than Roy Keane, who’s certainly one of the more hard-to-please pundits and club legends.