Manchester United cool interest in Brighton’s Carlos Baleba | OneFootball

Manchester United have reportedly cooled their interest in Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba, according to The Sun.

United had previously identified the 22-year-old as a target to reinforce their midfield and were heavily linked with a move last summer.

While the Cameroon international remains keen on a switch to Manchester, Brighton’s high asking price has stalled a potential transfer to Old Trafford.

Relentless transfer speculation took a toll on the young midfielder, whose form dipped during parts of the 2025–26 campaign under Fabian Hurzeler.

The Brighton manager admitted that constant links to Old Trafford created a difficult environment, leading to a drop in Baleba’s performance and spells on the bench at the Amex Stadium.

United’s decision to step back from the chase for Baleba comes as they make rapid progress on other midfield targets.

They are close to finalising a £39 million deal for Atalanta midfielder Ederson, with personal terms on a five-year contract already agreed.

Groundwork is also underway for a move for West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes, who is keen to join United and has been endorsed by Bruno Fernandes.

With United stepping back, the path is now clear for Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur to lead the chase for Baleba.

Newly appointed Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi is a major admirer, having overseen Baleba’s early integration at Brighton, and is keen to build his new-look midfield around the youngster.

For United, the decision to cool interest in Baleba could mark a new era of financial discipline, suggesting the club will no longer be held to ransom by premium Premier League pricing.