Report: Manchester United cool pursuit of Midfielder amid Brighton’s firm valuation | OneFootball

Manchester United Cool Interest in Carlos Baleba as Brighton Stand Firm

Manchester United’s search for a defensive midfielder has stalled, with their top target Carlos Baleba set to remain at Brighton & Hove Albion. The Athletic reports that despite preliminary talks and a direct conversation between the clubs, Brighton have made their stance abundantly clear.

“Brighton made clear they do not intend to sell Baleba this summer and plan to retain him for at least another season.”

The Seagulls have no intention of losing their 21-year-old Cameroon international, who impressed last season with 40 appearances, four goals and two assists. United were keen, but Brighton’s valuation, believed to be in line with the £115 million Chelsea paid for Moises Caicedo, has halted negotiations.

Brighton’s Stance and Market Reality

For Brighton, holding onto Baleba makes sense. He has only two Premier League campaigns behind him and is still developing. “There is also an acceptance at United that while they admire Baleba and the interest remains strong, he has only two Premier League campaigns under his belt and is still developing.”

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Baleba joined from Lille in 2023 for just under £26 million and has since evolved into one of the league’s most promising midfielders. Losing him now, after also seeing Joao Pedro, Simon Adingra and Pervis Estupinan depart permanently, would have left Fabian Hurzeler’s side short in key areas. Their summer rebuild has brought in Charalampos Kostoulas, Diego Coppola, Maxime De Cuyper and Olivier Boscagli, but Baleba is regarded as central to their progression.

United’s Midfield Priorities

For United, the setback comes despite Baleba’s desire to move. “Moving to Old Trafford appeals to Baleba so personal terms would have presented no problem, and the Cameroon international is prepared to keep pushing, even if it means waiting until the future.”

That willingness has not changed the financial reality. United have already spent heavily this window, recruiting Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo at peak age, alongside emerging striker Benjamin Sesko. “While there is internal satisfaction at the inbound business to date, they want to be financially disciplined and a significant amount of work also needs to be do on departures.”

The club must balance ambition with fiscal sense. Investing £115 million in a midfielder still learning his trade would have risked destabilising their long-term squad planning.

Baleba’s Rising Stock

Baleba’s calm authority in possession and physicality off the ball have made him a standout at Brighton. His potential to become one of Europe’s leading midfielders is clear, yet his development is still ongoing. United’s respect for Brighton’s position reflects a recognition of both the player’s value and the club’s need to strengthen across multiple areas.

“It is anticipated, therefore, that a deal now will not materialise.”

For now, Baleba remains at the Amex, but his name will not disappear from transfer conversations any time soon.

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United fans may feel a mixture of disappointment and relief. Disappointment because Baleba fits the mould of the type of midfielder the club have lacked since the days of Michael Carrick. Relief because paying over £100 million for a player with only two full Premier League seasons behind him would have been reckless.

Brighton supporters, on the other hand, will be delighted. Losing Joao Pedro, Simon Adingra and Pervis Estupinan in one summer has already tested their squad. To see Baleba follow would have created major questions about ambition. His presence ensures Hurzeler can build around a young, dynamic midfielder who is still improving.

There is also an undercurrent of respect between the clubs. United admire the player and the dialogue has been described as “cordial.” That suggests a future move could still happen, but on terms that make sense.

For now, the message is clear. Baleba stays put, Brighton continue to build, and United will look elsewhere while keeping one eye on a midfielder who could yet be their long-term solution.