Manchester United’s summer rebuild has focused primarily on rejuvenating the club’s attacking options.
Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have already arrived, and Benjamin Sesko is set to be wrapped up imminently, forming a completely new-look front three for Ruben Amorim.
But with the forward line refreshed, United have now turned their attention to midfield – an area that still lacks the dynamism Amorim’s 3-4-3 system demands.
Brighton’s Carlos Baleba has emerged as a genuine target, with the 21-year-old seen as a long-term heir to Casemiro in United’s double pivot.
Having adjusted impressively to Premier League life, Baleba is highly regarded internally – and his apparent willingness to join United has only strengthened interest.
However, according to ESPN’s Julien Laurens, Brighton have now increased their initial asking price of £87 million to £104m (€120m) asking price for the midfielder.
That is a noticeable £17m increase made from the Seagulls, showing their strong desire to keep hold of the player.
United and neighbours Manchester City have both been tracking Baleba.
Pep Guardiola is known to be a long-term admirer, but no official contact has been made by United at this stage.
ESPN sources claim that any potential move will depend heavily on outgoings – notably if players like Alejandro Garnacho are sold with Chelsea stepping up interest.
Especially with the £75m million deal for Sesko already pushing United’s spending close to £175 million.
Baleba, who made 34 league appearances last season, scoring three goals, is believed to be happy to remain at Brighton, with a transfer more likely next summer.
ESPN add that Lille are due 20% of any fee over the £26m million Brighton paid in 2023, adding further complexity to negotiations.
If a deal were struck, Baleba would join a long list of Seagulls stars to make big-money Premier League moves.
He’d join the list with the likes of Moises Caicedo, Marc Cucurella, Ben White, and Alexis Mac Allister.
If Baleba does arrive this summer, fans would certainly view the overall transfer window as maybe the best in recent years.
