Manchester United are once again preparing to pursue Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba as part of their 2026 transfer plans. The talented Cameroonian has already made it clear he wants to play at Old Trafford. According to reports from The Athletic, Baleba reached an agreement on personal terms with United back in August 2025, showing that his ambition to join the Red Devils is genuine. Although a deal was not completed this summer, sources close to the player suggest his desire to move to Manchester remains firm ahead of the upcoming transfer window.

Since making his breakthrough in the Premier League, Baleba has quickly developed into one of Brighton’s most influential players. At only 21 years old, he has already featured in 81 matches for the Seagulls, scoring four goals and providing two assists. His tireless energy, physicality, and technical quality have made him a standout performer. On the international stage, he has represented Cameroon four times, further cementing his reputation as one of Africa’s brightest young midfielders. Baleba’s relentless style of play perfectly suits United’s current manager Ruben Amorim, who is demanding greater pressing intensity and dynamism in central midfield.

According to Transfermarkt, Baleba’s estimated market value currently stands at €40 million. However, the real debate lies in Brighton’s asking price. The south-coast club have built a reputation for commanding huge fees for their best players, and several outlets report that they are likely to compare Baleba’s worth with Moises Caicedo, who joined Chelsea for a record €133 million in 2023. Should Brighton push for a similar valuation, it would instantly place Baleba among the costliest players in Premier League history. For Manchester United, it would also mean smashing their current transfer record, which has stood since Paul Pogba’s €104 million return from Juventus in 2016.

Despite the potential cost, respected journalist Fabrizio Romano has emphasized that both United’s hierarchy and Amorim are fully convinced Baleba is the right man to lead their midfield rebuild. Amorim’s tactical approach relies heavily on controlling the middle of the pitch with aggression and energy, and Baleba’s profile ticks all the boxes. His ability to break up play, carry the ball forward, and maintain intensity for 90 minutes makes him a tailor-made option for Amorim’s system.

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The deal, however, will not be straightforward. Brighton are notoriously difficult to negotiate with, and their stance on Baleba is expected to be no different. United may need to commit to a nine-figure investment, not only to convince Brighton to sell but also to demonstrate their determination to assemble a squad capable of competing with Europe’s elite clubs. For Baleba, the opportunity to join one of the world’s biggest teams and work under a manager who values his qualities could be the defining moment of his career.

As the 2026 winter window approaches, Carlos Baleba’s future is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about transfer sagas in English football. For Manchester United, landing the Brighton star could mark the beginning of a new era under Amorim, while for Brighton, it would once again highlight their remarkable ability to develop elite talent and sell at premium value.

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Should Manchester United sign Carlos Baleba?