‘They want him, he wants them’: David Ornstein drops Man United transfer bombshell over £100m-valued PL star

In partnership with

Stretty News

·12 novembre 2025

‘They want him, he wants them’: David Ornstein drops Man United transfer bombshell over £100m-valued PL star

David Ornstein has verified Manchester United’s interest in Carlos Baleba once again – as well as the player’s reciprocated desire to make the transfer happen.

Three months on from United opening talks with the Brighton and Hove Albion starlet, he remains an option on their midfield shortlist.

Vidéos OneFootball

United and Carlos Baleba: What happened over the summer?

(Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Back in the summer, the Red Devils approached Baleba over a potential switch from the Amex to Old Trafford before the September deadline day.

Baleba himself was said to be keen on the move. However, the Seagulls’ pricey valuation, believed to be well above £100 million, made the deal unfeasible – especially after United had shelled out over £200m to grant Ruben Amorim an entirely new frontline.

Alas, they were made to put their interest on the back burner, with INEOS conceding that not all areas of the squad could be strengthened in one window.

Given Brighton are already unwilling to sell the 21-year-old, the chances of talks being revived in January are near impossible.

Instead, United will continue monitoring Baleba’s situation over the course of the campaign before they make a decision as to whether they go all-out for him next summer or an alternative target, such as Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson or Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton.

Ornstein: United want Baleba – and he wants them back

(Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Buying Premier League-ready talents has proven to be hugely successful for the club this term after both Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha hit the ground running following their summer moves.

United are seemingly looking to do the same when pursuing a new face to slot in the middle of the park.

When speaking with Planet Football recently, Ornstein was put on the spot over which player he would personally sign for United if he were Amorim.

He responded: “Carlos Baleba, because they want him, he wants them, Brighton don’t want to let him go, but we’ll see what the future holds.’’