Manchester United’s pursuit of Brighton & Hove Albion’s star midfielder Carlos Baleba has hit a financial roadblock, with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealing that the Red Devils are exploring alternative targets due to the Seagulls’ staggering £120 million valuation. Speaking on GIVEMESPORT’s *Market Madness* podcast, Romano confirmed that United, while still in talks for the 21-year-old Cameroonian, are prepared to pivot to other midfield options as their £198.5 million summer spending—on Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo—limits their ability to meet Brighton’s demands without significant player sales. Manager Ruben Amorim, who views Baleba as his “dream” midfield signing, is keen to bolster the squad before the September 1 deadline, but the club’s financial constraints have forced a strategic rethink.
Baleba’s appeal lies in his dynamic box-to-box play, with 34 Premier League appearances last season, three goals, and an assist, alongside top-tier stats for tackling and dribbling among under-23 midfielders. His hybrid skill set, blending Moises Caicedo’s ball-winning aggression with Yves Bissouma’s technical assurance, has made him a target for both United and Manchester City, with Brighton’s £120 million (€139.4 million) asking price reflecting their reputation for hardball negotiations. Romano noted that United’s recent signings and lack of European football revenue, following a 15th-place finish last season, necessitate offloading players like Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho, or Antony to fund a club-record move for Baleba. Brighton’s CEO Paul Barber, however, has downplayed United’s interest, stating at a fans’ forum that no direct contact has been made, reinforcing the club’s stance that Baleba is likely to stay at least another season.
The search for alternatives comes as United aim to strengthen their midfield to complement Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo in Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system. Potential targets include more affordable options like Leicester City’s Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall or RB Salzburg’s Oscar Gloukh, both valued under €30 million, according to Transfermarkt, offering similar energy and versatility at a fraction of Baleba’s cost. United’s transfer strategy hinges on outgoing deals, with Garnacho linked to Chelsea for £60 million and Sancho attracting interest from Italian clubs, potentially easing financial pressures. Posts on X reflect mixed fan sentiment, with some like @MUFC Insider praising Baleba’s potential to “transform” the midfield, while others urge caution given the high price tag and United’s PSR concerns.
As the Premier League opener against Arsenal looms, United’s pursuit of Baleba remains active but challenging, with Romano suggesting the club’s focus may shift if Brighton hold firm. The Seagulls’ financial stability, bolstered by a £222.4 million turnover last season, and a 20% sell-on clause owed to Lille further complicate negotiations. Amorim’s insistence on a high-intensity midfielder underscores the urgency, but United’s exploration of alternatives signals a pragmatic approach to avoid overextending their budget. With time ticking down, the Red Devils’ ability to balance ambition with financial discipline will determine whether they secure Baleba or pivot to a new midfield star to kickstart their 2025-26 campaign.[](https://www.givemesport.com/man-united-transfer-news-carlos-baleba-alternative-brighton-fabrizio-romano/)[](https://www.beinsports.com/en-us/soccer/premier-league/articles/brighton-value-carlos-baleba-at-120m-amid-man-united-and-man-city-interest-2025-08-08)[](https://www.espn.co.uk/football/story/_/id/45919870/brighton-value-baleba-120m-amid-man-united-man-city-interest-sources)
