Carlos Baleba: Man United handed double boost in winter swoop for Brighton star

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·18 December 2025

Carlos Baleba: Man United handed double boost in winter swoop for Brighton star

Manchester United have just received a double boost in their bid to bring Carlos Baleba to Old Trafford.

Last summer, United head coach Ruben Amorim was eager to strengthen his engine room with the dynamic and athletic Baleba.

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The Portuguese tactician was convinced that the Brighton & Hove Albion star was the perfect fit for his system. However, the Seagulls’ ambitious demands—a fee in excess of £100 million for the 21‑year‑old—forced United to cool their interest.

By refusing to pursue an alternative, United gave a clear signal they intended to return for him. Now, their plan to reignite the pursuit has been handed a double boost.

First, it has emerged that Brighton believe they have already identified Baleba’s ideal replacement.

19‑year‑old wonderkid lined up as Baleba’s successor

According to Fussball Transfers, the Seagulls view Ghanaian prodigy Caleb Yirenkyi, 19, of Danish side Nordsjaelland, as the long‑term successor to Baleba. The report notes:

“Whether Brighton will make a move as early as January remains to be seen. This could be largely due to the urgency of replacing Baleba.”

United supporters will hope Brighton act decisively in January, and there are growing hints they might.

Brighton open to realistic Baleba exit talks

Just before Yirenkyi’s links surfaced, Caught Offside revealed that Brighton were prepared to sanction a January departure for Baleba. The outlet reported:

“Brighton’s valuation is understood to have dropped…”

“While Brighton remain determined to secure a strong fee, they are now open to negotiations at a more realistic level, especially if serious bids arrive in January.”

Caught Offside added that if all parties can reach common ground, Baleba could easily complete a winter switch.

Such a move would delight Amorim, who sees Baleba as the upgrade his midfield desperately needs—a signing that could strengthen United’s push to return to Europe.