Manchester United’s pursuit of Brighton & Hove Albion’s star midfielder Carlos Baleba has stalled, with the Red Devils unwilling to meet the Seagulls’ staggering asking price, reported to exceed £100 million, according to the Express. The 21-year-old Cameroonian, identified as a priority target by manager Ruben Amorim to bolster United’s midfield in his 3-4-2-1 system, has impressed with three goals and one assist in 34 Premier League appearances last season. However, Brighton’s reputation as tough negotiators, coupled with their desire to retain Baleba for at least one more season, has led United to reconsider their approach as the September 1 transfer deadline looms.[](https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/2094959/man-utd-transfer-news-carlos-baleba-brighton)
Baleba’s dynamic skill set, combining 2.8 tackles per game with an 82.4% pass completion rate, makes him a perfect fit for United’s need for a high-energy, box-to-box midfielder. Despite recent contacts with Baleba’s agents, as noted by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, United’s £198.5 million summer spending on players like Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha limits their financial flexibility. Brighton’s chief executive Paul Barber has downplayed United’s interest, stating no direct approach has been made, while posts on X from @Utdtruthful and @UnitedStandMUFC suggest the deal could be revisited in 2026 when Brighton may lower their demands. The Seagulls’ £120 million valuation, inflated by a 20% sell-on clause owed to Lille, poses a significant hurdle.
United’s reluctance to meet Brighton’s price has prompted Amorim to explore more affordable alternatives, with names like Leicester’s Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and RB Salzburg’s Oscar Gloukh circulating as potential targets. The club’s need to comply with Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR), compounded by a lack of European football revenue after a 15th-place finish, necessitates player sales, with Alejandro Garnacho and Jadon Sancho linked to exits. Journalist Laurie Whitwell noted United’s cautious optimism about Baleba, but the financial gap remains stark, with Brighton’s firm stance reflecting their confidence in the player’s long-term value. The situation underscores United’s shift away from overpaying for targets, a departure from past transfer strategies.
As United prepare for their Premier League opener against Arsenal, the focus is on squad balance rather than splashing out on Baleba. Brighton’s unwavering position, backed by their £222.4 million turnover last season, allows them to resist offers, especially with Baleba content at the Amex Stadium. Fans on X, including @MelissaReddy_, have praised United’s ambition in targeting Baleba but acknowledge the deal’s complexity due to Brighton’s negotiating prowess. With time running out in the transfer window, United’s pursuit of the “unstoppable” midfielder, as described by Danny Welbeck, appears destined to wait, leaving Amorim to rely on existing options like Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo to kickstart the 2025-26 campaign.
