Romano outlines Manchester United’s plans to sign Brighton midfielder | OneFootball

Man United Step Up Pursuit of Carlos Baleba

Manchester United’s summer rebuild could be about to enter its most ambitious phase yet, with Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba firmly in their sights. The Red Devils have already added Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Šeško to Ruben Amorim’s squad — each offering a new dimension to a side aiming to reclaim its place among the Premier League’s elite.

Yet, in the engine room, Amorim is still searching for a piece that will knit it all together. That search has led them to Baleba, Brighton’s 21-year-old Cameroonian talent who has quickly developed into one of the league’s most intriguing midfielders since his 2023 arrival at the Amex.

Direct Talks on the Horizon

Baleba’s emergence has not gone unnoticed. His blend of athleticism, ball-winning instinct, and forward thrust has caught the eye of several top clubs, but Manchester United appear the most determined.

Fabrizio Romano revealed:

“Contacts continue for Carlos Baleba. Today, Man United spoke again to the agents of the player.They are prepared to try to understand how much Brighton want. So this week, I expect Manchester United to try to understand the situation directly with Brighton, and let’s see what’s going to happen there. But Baleba remains a topic at United.They are still not moving on another midfielder, and it means that Manchester United maintain the contacts active for Baleba and also try to understand if they can really make it happen or if it’s going to be impossible because Brighton still have no intention to reduce their price tag.”

Baleba as a Long-Term Investment

For United, this is more than a transfer chase; it’s a statement. Baleba offers immediate quality and long-term potential. His age means he can grow into a midfield linchpin for the next decade, a rare asset in a market often filled with short-term solutions.

Race Against Time

The logic for acting now is clear. At present, United face little direct competition for Baleba’s signature. But should he stay at Brighton and shine for another season, the queue of suitors — in England and abroad — will lengthen. That could make the financial and competitive equation far more complicated.

This summer, Manchester United have the opportunity to secure one of the Premier League’s most exciting young midfielders before the chase becomes a bidding war. The question is whether they are willing to meet Brighton’s demands and make the move happen.