£100m Valuation Stalls Manchester United’s Move for Premier League Midfielder | OneFootball

Manchester United’s Interest in Brighton Midfielder Carlos Baleba Faces Valuation Challenge

Manchester United’s admiration for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba is clear, yet the asking price from the south coast club is a major obstacle. According to The Telegraph, Brighton value the 21-year-old at more than £100 million, a figure that United are currently unwilling to meet while operating under strict profitability and sustainability rules.

Brighton have made no effort to put Baleba on the market, but their track record as a trading club means they would listen to significant offers. Owner Tony Bloom would ultimately have the final say, with the benchmark set by the £115 million Chelsea paid for Moisés Caicedo.

“For United, Baleba is a player of great interest and is entering a period in his career where his value could conceivably climb again with another successful season – potentially putting him out of range,” The Telegraph report stated.

Photo IMAGO

Brighton’s Strong Position

Baleba signed a five-year deal upon joining from Lille, and his rapid progress in the Premier League has strengthened Brighton’s negotiating hand. His contributions last season were central to their success, even though a knee injury in June kept him out for much of pre-season. He has now returned to training and is expected to be fit for the opening match against Fulham.

His profile makes him one of the most attractive midfielders in Europe. Known for ball-winning ability, composure under pressure, and bursts from deep positions, Baleba also offers left-footed balance and positional flexibility. Brighton’s recruitment team identified him in France after just 21 Ligue 1 appearances and a handful of games in the French fifth tier, a reminder of their remarkable scouting efficiency.

Transfer Timing and Market Dynamics

With his age, adaptability and proven output in the Premier League, Baleba is widely regarded as a future record sale for Brighton. Yet timing will be everything for interested clubs. Another strong season could push his value even higher, potentially beyond the reach of United. Some within Old Trafford’s recruitment structure believe it may be more prudent to search in other European leagues for players of similar potential at a lower cost, though few clubs match Brighton’s eye for talent.

Photo: IMAGO

United’s financial focus this summer has been on attack, highlighted by the record fee for Sesko. Sales will be necessary if they are to pursue another marquee signing. The club have been linked with potential exits, including Alejandro Garnacho, who has drawn interest from abroad. Interest in Rasmus Hojlund is currently limited to loan approaches from Italy, which does little to boost United’s spending power.

United’s Next Steps

If United are serious about strengthening their midfield with Baleba’s profile, they will need to act before his valuation climbs further. That means creating financial space through player sales and ensuring they do not repeat the pattern of identifying the right target too late. Brighton’s firm stance is understandable given the player’s contract length, importance to the squad, and potential to develop into one of the most valuable assets in the league.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For Manchester United, the Baleba situation is a frustrating reminder of how far transfer priorities and financial realities can be apart. Fans would recognise his blend of power, technical ability and adaptability as a perfect fit for the midfield, especially alongside or as cover for Casemiro. However, given the £100 million-plus valuation, supporters might worry this is another example of United identifying the right player but waiting too long, only to see him move elsewhere for an even bigger fee.

Both fans and analysts will be watching United’s decision-making closely. If Baleba enjoys another successful campaign, his price will likely climb to a point that only a handful of clubs can match. For now, United’s challenge is not just finding the funds, but acting decisively enough to compete with the market’s most efficient buyers.