Manchester United are in ‘regular contact’ to sign Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba. Fabrizio Romano.
Manchester United prioritized attacking reinforcements last summer and spent a significant portion of their spending on acquiring multiple attackers.
After negotiations that lasted more than a month, Bryan Mbeumo was signed from Brentford, while Matheus Cunha joined from Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The Red Devils also had to fend off competition from Newcastle United by signing Benjamin Šeško from RB Leipzig, giving Ruben Amorim a strong attacking trio for the campaign.
The midfield, on the other hand, was left untouched, a surprising outcome given the imbalance of that area last season.
As a result, Amorim have deployed Bruno Fernandes in deeper positions alongside an in-form Casemiro, while Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte have been tipped for departures, despite the latter starting to find form in the manager’s system.
Attention is now focused on signing a midfielder who meets Amorim’s tactical requirements. Baleba emerged as a serious option after United’s failed attempt to sign him last summer.
Now, according to RomanoThe Red Devils remain in ‘regular contact’ with Baleba’s entourage to negotiate his possible transfer to Old Trafford.
The renowned transfer expert adds that the Cameroonian international has been identified as one of the Red Devils’ targets to strengthen Ruben Amorim’s squad in 2026.
Daring dive
Although United retain a concrete interest in the 22-year-old, Romano clarified that there have been no new bids or direct contacts with Brighton so far in January.
United’s need for reinforcement was evident in the disappointing 1-1 draw against Leeds United, where the patchy nature of the side was best summed up by the fact that there were no fewer than six players aged 21 or under on the bench.
Although they scored the equalizer on this occasion, the Red Devils have conceded more equalizers than any other Premier League team this season. Their opponents came to the same level no fewer than twelve times. A striking result of their lack of fighting spirit, which makes a move for a midfielder of great importance.
United currently lack the strength in the middle of the park needed to disrupt the opposition’s attack, especially when they need to maintain their lead.
With Baleba identified as a solid option for this role, it will be interesting to see if the club pursues a deal in January by submitting a significant offer well above his £52 million. Transfer market appraisal or wait until next summer to negotiate a favorable compensation.
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