Romano: Contact ‘in the last 48h’ – Man Utd ramp up pursuit of £100m target whose head has been turned

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·9 August 2025

Romano: Contact ‘in the last 48h’ – Man Utd ramp up pursuit of £100m target whose head has been turned

Manchester United are sizing up a move for Brighton and Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba amid growing confidence they can get a deal done this summer.

United’s interest in the midfielder was first established on Wednesday after David Ornstein confirmed that contact had been made between the Reds and Brighton via intermediaries.

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Whilst a complicated transfer to pursue due to Brighton’s £100 million asking price and reluctance to sell, journalist Dean Jones has now suggested Baleba’s head has been turned by United’s approach, giving them more belief that an agreement could be struck through negotiations.

United unsettle Carlos Baleba after recent approaches to his agents

Baleba signed for the Seagulls from Lille in 2023 for £23.2m. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Add that to the fact that INEOS held further talks with the player’s agents ‘in the last 48 hours’ (Fabrizio Romano), and fans are starting to sense that the 21-year-old starlet could join Ruben Amorim’s ranks before the end of the month.

Baleba’s profile has been said to ‘perfectly align’ with the system Amorim has implemented at Old Trafford since taking the reins from Erik ten Hag in November 2024. His stellar two seasons in East Sussex have seen him quickly establish himself as one of the hottest prospects in Europe, making it no surprise Pep Guardiola is a firm admirer of his talents.

As such, it remains to be seen if Manchester City would themselves consider a bid amid another injury setback to Rodri, who’s unlikely to start a league fixture until after the September international break.

Baleba could wrap up a successful summer window from INEOS

United already welcomed Premier League-proven stars Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo to the squad before finalising the impending arrival of Bundesliga whiz Benjamin Sesko; it’s expected he will be formally unveiled to supporters this afternoon when the team host Fiorentina in their final pre-season friendly.

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Manchester United

Romano: Contact ‘in the last 48h’ – Man Utd ramp up pursuit of £100m target whose head has been turned | OneFootball

Romano: Contact ‘in the last 48h’ – Man Utd ramp up pursuit of £100m target whose head has been turned

OneFootball Videos

United unsettle Carlos Baleba after recent approaches to his agents

Baleba could wrap up a successful summer window from INEOS

Manchester United

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