Manchester United have been trying to fix their midfield for years.
It has been a persistent problem, whether due to a lack of quality signings or the inability to find the right balance.
Their last two big money midfield additions, Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte, have both struggled to make a lasting impact at Old Trafford, leaving the club in need of yet another midfield reinforcement.
After securing deals for Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko this summer to bolster the attack, United have now shifted their focus to midfield and goalkeeper.
While there were few concrete midfield links earlier in the window, United have now turned their attention to Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, who is reportedly open to a move.
Baleba is regarded as one of the most promising young midfielders in the Premier League.
He is a dynamic presence in the middle of the pitch, comfortable carrying the ball forward, capable of hitting long passes, and most importantly, a superb athlete who excels at covering ground and winning possession.
United know the deal will not be straightforward, with several top clubs also monitoring him and a hefty price tag.
The big question now is: where will Carlos Baleba be playing his football next season?
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Brighton
Brighton have set a price tag of £104 million for Baleba and would prefer to keep him for at least another season.
They value him at the same level as Moises Caicedo and will demand a similar fee.
Although they are aware they will eventually lose him, Brighton want to hold onto Baleba for as long as possible and ensure they have a suitable replacement lined up, something they currently lack.
This makes any potential deal difficult, but interested clubs will be hoping that the asking price drops as the window progresses.
Liverpool
Liverpool have shown long-term interest in the midfielder, but a move this summer appears unlikely.
With Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister already operating in deeper roles, and the club having spent heavily on Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz, their focus is currently elsewhere.
They are also pursuing a deal for Alexander Isak from Newcastle.
However, if Baleba remains at Brighton and the situation carries over into next summer, Liverpool are likely to re-enter the race.
Manchester City
Manchester City are the only other club than United to show concrete interest in Carlos Baleba this summer, with Pep Guardiola understood to be a big admirer of the Brighton midfielder.
City’s interest stems from last season, when they struggled during Rodri’s absence and lacked a natural replacement in the holding role.
Baleba’s athleticism, ball-winning ability, and press resistance make him an appealing long-term option for Guardiola, especially given City’s need to future-proof their midfield.
However, with Rodri now fully fit and the club recently completing a deal for Tijjani Reijnders, a move for Baleba this summer appears unlikely, particularly at Brighton’s £104 million asking price.
While City do see value in securing young talent early, such a high fee for a rotational option is not expected to be sanctioned unless the market shifts.
Should Brighton lower their demands or City offload a midfielder, the situation could change.
Manchester United
Manchester United are strongly interested in Carlos Baleba, but any move would require significant sales.
Having already spent heavily this summer on Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko, United would need to offload several high-profile players to afford Brighton’s £104 million asking price.
The so-called “bomb squad” of unwanted or expendable names, including Tyrell Malacia, Jadon Sancho, Antony, and Alejandro Garnacho – would need to be moved on to generate the necessary funds.
Garnacho has already been linked with a big-money switch to Chelsea, and United will be hoping that deal progresses quickly to help finance their next move.
Baleba is believed to be open to joining United, and this summer could be their only real opportunity to secure his signature before rival clubs ramp up their interest.
If United can pull it off, signing Baleba could be a major turning point in their rebuild under Ruben Amorim.
His energy, ball-carrying ability, and defensive presence in midfield would fill a long-standing gap in the squad and provide the foundation for real progress next season.
But at £104 million, it remains an extremely difficult deal to complete without decisive action in the transfer market.
