Romano: £100m Premier League star now ‘even more keen’ on Man Utd move amid their improved run of form

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·17 November 2025

Romano: £100m Premier League star now ‘even more keen’ on Man Utd move amid their improved run of form

Carlos Baleba is now reportedly ‘even more keen’ on a move to Manchester United than he was in the summer.

The Old Trafford faithful will recall that, back in August, talks were held with the midfielder to gauge the prospect of him leaving Brighton and Hove Albion for United.

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What happened between United and Baleba in the summer?

(Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Baleba was eager to complete the switch, but ultimately respected the fact that Brighton did not want to sell him after only two years, so he opted against pushing for an exit.

Brighton had also priced the Red Devils out of a deal, valuing the 21-year-old well above the £100 million mark. At that stage of the window, United had already splurged over £200 million on the arrivals of Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha, rendering them unable to table a bid.

The saga didn’t end there, though.

INEOS retain Baleba interest heading into 2026

(Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

United have continued to be linked with the Cameroonian since 2025/2026 got underway, with David Ornstein even confirming last week that the Reds ‘want’ Baleba and he ‘wants’ them back.

The Seagulls will be well aware that they’re unlikely to be able to keep hold of him again at the end of the season, when he’ll be even more ready to take on a new venture away from the Amex.

They signed him for just £23.2m in 2023, and now view him in the same bracket as former star Moises Caicedo, who set a British transfer record when he was sold to Chelsea for £115m that same year.

With a January transfer all but ruled out for Baleba on the South Coast, United can start preparing to make him their marquee summer signing – and he’ll be awaiting their call in the months leading up to the window opening.

“I keep telling you that Man Utd still want Carlos Baleba, and Baleba is still very keen on a move to United – even more now that they’re doing well in the league,” revealed Fabrizio Romano on YouTube yesterday.

“Baleba’s name is very high on United’s shortlist for a new midfielder. It’s likely to be a difficult deal in January unless Brighton change their stance, but for the summer, Man United see Baleba as a priority target.”