Carlos Baleba: Man United target hit by huge setback amid transfer interest | OneFootball

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Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba has suffered a significant injury blow, potentially scuppering whatever chances he may have harboured of sealing a move to Manchester United.

Baleba interest

United remain in the market for midfield additions, and it is believed that their interest in Baleba has not diminished.

Having wrapped up deals for Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans from Chelsea and Aston Villa respectively, United want a third signing.

The Red Devils explored a move for Baleba last summer but ultimately opted against pressing ahead due to Brighton’s excessive valuation of the player. Baleba’s form in the 2025/26 season consequently took a nosedive but this did not put the Red Devils off.

Last month, Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Baleba’s representatives had been in touch with United to reiterate the player’s desire to seal a switch to Old Trafford. But he is still unlikely to come cheap. United value him at £50m, but Brighton have no desire to budge on their valuation and remain confident they can get close to £100m.

Now, a new development has all but ended Baleba’s hopes of a move to United for the second successive transfer window.

Baleba update

David Ornstein of The Athletic reveals that Baleba is poised to miss the opening stages of the new season with an injury.

Ornstein writes, “Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba has suffered an ankle ligament injury and is a doubt for the start of the 2026-27 campaign.”

“Baleba is expected to spend a period on the sidelines but Brighton hope the problem is not a long-term one.”

It’s understood that the Cameroonian picked up the issue during pre-season. This problem caused him to miss Brighton’s friendly against Strasbourg on Saturday.

The question now is whether United pivot to other targets or double down on Baleba. This setback may well convince them to explore other options unless, of course, they’re confident their medical team can get him back on track.

Meanwhile, Michael Carrick and his players return to action on Saturday when they face Paris Saint-Germain.