Manchester United is actively looking to strengthen their team for the 2025-26 season.
It was recently revealed that Man United made contact with Brighton & Hove Albion to explore the circumstances of a deal for midfielder Carlos Baleba.
Paul Barber, CEO of Brighton,, however, poured cold water on those claims and insisted that the Red Devils should not approach the club directly.
He said (via BBC): “There will always be interest in our players. Man United has not had any contact with me. Speculation is speculation.
“Carlos is a fantastic talent. We hope he will be here for years – but the subject of the dynamics of the football world, which is not always predictable.”
Signing Baleba will be difficult
The seagulls are known for driving a hard bargain and it is unlikely that it will punish a sale with only three weeks in the transfer window.
Even if United makes a breakthrough, Brighton will probably demand a fee in the £ 85 million region for their appreciated assets.
The 21-year-old has emerged as one of the most exciting young midfielders in the Premier League and watched with his physicality and tranquility.
He arrived at Brighton in 2023 and seamlessly stepped into the void that was left by Moises Caicedo.
United head coach Ruben Amorim wants an athletic midfielder in his ranks.
Bruno Fernandes is expected to play in midfield spivot in the coming season after the arrival of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.
Amorim must find him a defensive disciplined partner who can also help the team by playing progressive passes.
Baleba fits perfectly in the bill. He is a front foot operator with ruthless tenacity and natural defensive instincts.
United has already disabled £ 130 million to land Cunha and Mbeumo, and their publication could surpass £ 200 million if Sesko sealed his move to Old Trafford.
Unless the Red Devils release some of their first team stars, it is unlikely that they have the financial headroom for another tent that signs this summer.
Statistics from transfer market.com
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