Man United handed major double transfer blow ahead of January window | OneFootball

Man United’s Midfield Search Hits Roadblocks

Manchester United’s plans to reinforce their midfield in January appear to have stalled before negotiations could even begin, with multiple targets effectively off the table. TalkSPORT report that Brighton are unwilling to sanction the sale of Carlos Baleba until next summer, despite ongoing links with Old Trafford.

Baleba Blocked by Brighton

The 21-year-old had been identified as a possible long-term partner for Kobbie Mainoo, but any hopes of accelerating talks have faded. As TalkSPORT revealed, “Brighton have no plans to cash in on United target Carlos Baleba this side of next summer.” Speculation that the Cameroon international was unsettled was also dismissed, with “suggestions the 21-year-old is unhappy on the Sussex coast and is pushing for a transfer… played down.”

Baleba’s form has reportedly dipped amid the noise. Manager Fabian Hurzeler acknowledged the distraction, stating his midfielder “has been affected by speculation linking him with Old Trafford.” Brighton owner Tony Bloom, never one to be pressured into selling, is said to be confident that Baleba’s price and market value will only grow.

Adam Wharton Unavailable as Well

Manchester United had hoped to pivot towards Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace, but that door has closed too. Palace chairman Simon Parish told TalkSPORT directly that the club are under no financial obligation to sell. Wharton’s stock is rising rapidly after his breakout campaign, and losing him mid-season would disrupt Palace’s setup.

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Bellingham Interest Complicated

Borussia Dortmund’s Jobe Bellingham is another name on United’s list. However, as TalkSPORT note, “that is seen as a difficult deal to do mid-season.” Palace are themselves monitoring the situation, suggesting United could find themselves outbid or outmanoeuvred unless they move decisively.

With three primary midfield targets either ruled out or delayed, Manchester United face the prospect of entering 2026 without the reinforcement many supporters believe is necessary.

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From a Manchester United fan’s perspective, this latest update is frustrating but not surprising. Every time United show interest in a promising midfielder, the price doubles or the door shuts before talks even begin. You can see why clubs like Brighton and Palace are refusing to bend. They know United are desperate, and they are waiting to cash in at maximum value.

The most worrying part is that there is no clear backup strategy. If the plan was Baleba, Wharton or Bellingham, and all three are now unlikely in January, what is Plan D?

What hurts more is watching rivals move smartly. Liverpool appointed Arne Slot and won the Premier League in his debut campaign. City stockpile quality like it is nothing. Even Spurs have shown backbone keeping their stars. Meanwhile, United still look like that club who enquire rather than act.

January now becomes a test of whether the recruitment team have learned from past mistakes. If they walk away empty-handed, any top-four ambition feels unrealistic.