Manchester United Transfer Boost: Carlos Baleba ‘Keen on Old Trafford Move’ as Brighton Talks Planned
Story: written by okafor joseph August 12,2025
Manchester United are set to step up their pursuit of Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba, with reports claiming the 21-year-old is eager to join Ruben Amorim’s side this summer.
The Red Devils wrapped up their 2025–26 pre-season campaign on Sunday with a penalty shootout victory over Fiorentina at Old Trafford. While Amorim has already strengthened the attack with Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo, and Matheus Cunha in deals worth nearly £200 million, midfield remains a key priority before the transfer window closes.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reports that Manchester United believe Baleba is open to making the switch, with negotiations with Brighton expected to begin in the coming days despite the complexities of the deal.
Baleba, who joined Brighton in 2023, has quickly built a reputation as one of the Premier League’s most reliable defensive midfielders. Last season, he recorded an impressive 92% pass completion rate, outperforming United’s Manuel Ugarte (89.7%) and Casemiro (86.8%). He also registered 37 tackles in the middle third—more than both Ugarte and Casemiro—and made 46 interceptions, just three fewer than Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo.
With Bruno Fernandes turning 31 in September and likely to operate in a deeper midfield role, Amorim is seeking a younger, more athletic partner to complement him. Casemiro, now 33, has struggled with mobility, while Ugarte’s aggressive style can leave the midfield exposed.
United see Baleba as the ideal candidate to address those concerns, bringing both composure under pressure and the ability to recover possession high up the pitch—qualities that could be crucial to Amorim’s tactical plans.
Failure to land Baleba could leave Manchester United short of a reliable ball-winner in midfield, potentially affecting their ability to build from the back and compete at the highest level this season.
