Manchester United’s Pursuit of Carlos Baleba Hits Dead End as Brighton Stand Firm

In a significant development in the summer transfer window, Manchester United have made an official and formal approach to Brighton & Hove Albion for their talented young midfielder, Carlos Baleba. The inquiry, which was anticipated by those following the transfer market closely, underscores United’s ongoing efforts to bolster their midfield options under manager Erik ten Hag. However, Brighton have responded with a resolute stance, making it clear that they have no intention of parting ways with the 20-year-old Cameroonian star during this transfer window.

Brighton’s response was unequivocal: they are not open to selling Baleba and have refused to even indicate a potential price for the player this summer. This firm position reflects the Seagulls’ high valuation of the midfielder, who has emerged as a key part of their squad since joining from LOSC Lille in August 2023 for a reported £23.2 million. Baleba, known for his dynamic presence, versatility, and ability to control the tempo in midfield, has attracted attention from several top clubs across Europe, but Brighton are determined to retain their prized asset as they aim to build on their solid performances in the Premier League.

For Manchester United, this rejection marks a setback in their transfer strategy. The Red Devils have been actively seeking to strengthen their midfield, with the departure of several players in recent years and the need for a long-term partner for the likes of Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro. Baleba, with his blend of defensive tenacity and progressive passing, was seen as a potential fit for Ten Hag’s system, which emphasizes control and intensity in the middle of the park. However, with Brighton standing firm, United are now expected to shift their focus to alternative targets as the transfer window nears its climax.

While the identity of these alternative targets remains unclear, Manchester United have been linked with several midfielders in recent weeks, including Paris Saint-Germain’s Manuel Ugarte and Burnley’s Sander Berge. The club’s recruitment team, led by sporting director Dan Ashworth, will likely accelerate their efforts to secure a new signing before the transfer deadline to ensure Ten Hag has the necessary reinforcements to compete in the Premier League and European competitions.

Brighton’s decision to hold onto Baleba aligns with their broader strategy of maintaining a competitive squad under manager Fabian Hürzeler. The club has a reputation for developing young talent and selling at the right time for significant profits, as seen with the likes of Moisés Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister. However, with Baleba still in the early stages of his development and under contract until 2028, Brighton appear confident that retaining him will benefit both the player and the club in the long term.

As the transfer window progresses, Manchester United fans will be watching closely to see how the club navigates this setback. With time running out, the pressure is on for United to identify and secure their priority targets to strengthen the squad for the challenges ahead in the 2025/26 season. For now, though, Carlos Baleba remains a Brighton player, and the Seagulls have sent a clear message that they are not willing to let their star midfielder go without a fight.

In a significant development in the summer transfer window, Manchester United have made an official and formal approach to Brighton & Hove Albion for their talented young midfielder, Carlos Baleba. The inquiry, which was anticipated by those following the transfer market closely, underscores United’s ongoing efforts to bolster their midfield options under manager Erik ten Hag. However, Brighton have responded with a resolute stance, making it clear that they have no intention of parting ways with the 20-year-old Cameroonian star during this transfer window.

Brighton’s response was unequivocal: they are not open to selling Baleba and have refused to even indicate a potential price for the player this summer. This firm position reflects the Seagulls’ high valuation of the midfielder, who has emerged as a key part of their squad since joining from LOSC Lille in August 2023 for a reported £23.2 million. Baleba, known for his dynamic presence, versatility, and ability to control the tempo in midfield, has attracted attention from several top clubs across Europe, but Brighton are determined to retain their prized asset as they aim to build on their solid performances in the Premier League.

For Manchester United, this rejection marks a setback in their transfer strategy. The Red Devils have been actively seeking to strengthen their midfield, with the departure of several players in recent years and the need for a long-term partner for the likes of Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro. Baleba, with his blend of defensive tenacity and progressive passing, was seen as a potential fit for Ten Hag’s system, which emphasizes control and intensity in the middle of the park. However, with Brighton standing firm, United are now expected to shift their focus to alternative targets as the transfer window nears its climax.

While the identity of these alternative targets remains unclear, Manchester United have been linked with several midfielders in recent weeks, including Paris Saint-Germain’s Manuel Ugarte and Burnley’s Sander Berge. The club’s recruitment team, led by sporting director Dan Ashworth, will likely accelerate their efforts to secure a new signing before the transfer deadline to ensure Ten Hag has the necessary reinforcements to compete in the Premier League and European competitions.

Brighton’s decision to hold onto Baleba aligns with their broader strategy of maintaining a competitive squad under manager Fabian Hürzeler. The club has a reputation for developing young talent and selling at the right time for significant profits, as seen with the likes of Moisés Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister. However, with Baleba still in the early stages of his development and under contract until 2028, Brighton appear confident that retaining him will benefit both the player and the club in the long term.

As the transfer window progresses, Manchester United fans will be watching closely to see how the club navigates this setback. With time running out, the pressure is on for United to identify and secure their priority targets to strengthen the squad for the challenges ahead in the 2025/26 season. For now, though, Carlos Baleba remains a Brighton player, and the Seagulls have sent a clear message that they are not willing to let their star midfielder go without a fight.