Carlos Baleba: Man United believe Brighton ace isn’t worth £100m yet | OneFootball

Manchester United were interested in Carlos Baleba this summer as they looked to strengthen their midfield.

With both Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte coming off a mixed campaign, Ruben Amorim wanted to add more athleticism and drive to the position.

Baleba was identified as the ideal candidate for the job, and the Red Devils also enquired about his availability.

Brighton & Hove Albion turned them down, as they had no intention of letting the player leave this year. However, Baleba remains on United’s agenda as they look for Casemiro’s replacement in 2026.

Brighton want over £100m

The Seagulls are traditionally shrewd negotiators and are renowned for extracting maximum fees for their prized asset.

Baleba was brought in to replace Moises Caicedo, who joined Chelsea in the summer of 2023 for a reported £115m fee.

The Cameroonian was outstanding for Brighton last season, registering four goals and two assists in 40 appearances in all competitions. He perfectly fits the profile that Amorim’s side are currently missing.

It is believed that Brighton are likely to demand over £100m for the 21 year old next year. Previous reports suggested that United are ready to break the bank for Baleba but it now appears that they are no longer so certain.

Not the finished material yet

According to Flashscore, United believe that Baleba isn’t yet a £100 million player. The youngster has struggled to impress this season, and there is a belief that the constant links to Old Trafford over the summer have affected his form.

Baleba failed to make an impact on Saturday at the Theatre of Dreams, as the Red Devils secured a 4-2 victory over Brighton.

The report adds that, for a move to materialise in January, the player’s price will need to come down or the United hierarchy will also have to be convinced that he is worth the exorbitant fee.

The Red Devils, meanwhile, are already exploring alternatives, with Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton reportedly among the players on their radar.

As things stand, a deal for Baleba looks unlikely in January. However, the transfer cannot be entirely ruled out, especially if the young midfielder manages to regain his form in the coming months.

Featured image Mike Hewitt via Getty Images

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