Carlos Baleba still wants to play for Manchester United. That much is clear a year after the Brighton midfielder had personal terms in place with the club but saw the move collapse when the Seagulls refused to sell.
Fabrizio Romano reported on the latest twist in this saga this week. According to Romano, the 24-year-old’s representatives have reestablished contact with United to see if the door is open again.
“From my understanding, Baleba, one year ago – August 2025 – was pushing like crazy to go to Man Utd,” Romano said in a YouTube video. “Baleba had an agreement on personal terms with Man Utd. So he had his dream to become a Man Utd player. Man Utd couldn’t proceed because Brighton didn’t want to sell the player. He was a top target at that time with Amorim, nothing happened.”
That last part matters. Ruben Amorim was the manager at the time. And since January, when Amorim and United parted ways, Baleba’s name went quiet. The new regime under whatever coaching structure United has now didn’t seem to have him on the shortlist.
But things change. United have already added two central midfielders this summer. They’re reportedly still hunting for a third, and Baleba fits the profile of a young, athletic midfielder who can play both the 6 and the 8. He’s been a regular for Brighton since joining from Lille, and his ability to break up play and carry the ball forward fits what United’s recruitment department has been targeting.
The question now is whether Brighton’s asking price has come down. Last summer the Seagulls wanted something north of $70 million, and United balked. That’s a lot for a player who, while talented, hasn’t yet proven himself at the top level week in and week out. But Brighton rarely sells cheap, and they don’t need the money.
“Since January, when Amorim and Man Utd decided not to continue together, the track has gone cold. Now, the name is out there again. Why? Because those close to the player have been in contact again with Man Utd to suggest the possibility to return for Baleba,” Romano added. “So it’s from Baleba’s side that they are trying to understand if Man Utd can return for the boy or not.”
This feels like a classic late-summer scenario. The player wants out. His camp is applying pressure. United has other targets but might circle back if the price drops or if other deals fall through. Baleba has the talent, the physical tools, and apparently the desire. The only missing piece is the fee.
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