Manchester United and Brighton Have Reportedly Started Exchanging Conversations Over Carlos Baleba Transfer, According to Ben Jacobs
The transfer market never sleeps, and with every passing day, new potential deals emerge that could shape the future of clubs for years to come. The latest development involves Manchester United and Brighton & Hove Albion, who have reportedly opened conversations regarding a possible transfer for Carlos Baleba. This report, brought forward by well-respected journalist Ben Jacobs, has sparked excitement and curiosity among fans and analysts alike.
Baleba, a young and promising midfielder, has been making waves in the Premier League with Brighton. His ability to combine physicality, composure, and technical skill has drawn comparisons to some of the league’s most complete central midfielders. For Manchester United, a team still seeking the perfect balance in midfield, this link is both intriguing and potentially significant.
Who Is Carlos Baleba?
Carlos Noom Quomah Baleba is a 20-year-old Cameroonian midfielder who has impressed since joining Brighton from Lille in 2023. Known for his strong tackling, positional intelligence, and ball-carrying ability, Baleba quickly adapted to the pace and intensity of English football.
At Brighton, under managers who encourage fluid possession and tactical discipline, he has grown into a reliable presence in midfield. While still raw in some aspects — such as decision-making under pressure — his trajectory suggests he could develop into one of the Premier League’s most dominant box-to-box midfielders.
For Manchester United, who have struggled with midfield balance in recent seasons, a player with Baleba’s profile could fill multiple gaps.
Why Manchester United Are Interested
Manchester United’s midfield has been under the spotlight for years. Despite the arrivals of Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, and Mason Mount in recent seasons, the Red Devils still lack a consistent blend of defensive solidity, passing progression, and energy in the middle of the park. Injuries, inconsistent form, and an over-reliance on certain players have only amplified the problem.
Baleba’s strengths fit neatly into several of United’s needs:
- Physical Presence
At 6 feet tall with a solid build, Baleba offers the kind of midfield presence United have sometimes lacked when Casemiro is absent. - Ball Progression
His ability to carry the ball through midfield lines could relieve pressure from United’s back line and create more fluid attacking transitions. - Defensive Contribution
Baleba excels at breaking up play, winning tackles, and covering large areas of the pitch — all vital in the Premier League. - Long-Term Potential
At just 20, he fits the profile of a player who can develop into a mainstay for the next decade, aligning with United’s reported desire to invest in younger, high-ceiling talents.
Brighton’s Position
Brighton are known for their savvy recruitment and reluctance to let players leave for less than full value. Under Tony Bloom’s leadership, the club has built a reputation for selling top talents — such as Moisés Caicedo, Alexis Mac Allister, and Marc Cucurella — for significant profits.
Baleba is no different. Brighton signed him for a reported £25 million from Lille, and with several years left on his contract, they are under no pressure to sell. Any deal would likely require Manchester United to offer a substantial fee, possibly in the range of £45–£60 million, depending on competition from other clubs.
Brighton also know they have an asset who is only going to get better. Unless United make a compelling offer, the Seagulls could choose to hold onto Baleba for another season, allowing his value to appreciate further.
Negotiation Dynamics
According to Ben Jacobs’ report, the two clubs have “started exchanging conversations,” which suggests the talks are still in the exploratory phase. At this stage, such discussions typically revolve around:
- Assessing Player Availability — Brighton clarifying whether they are open to selling Baleba this window.
- Valuation Talks — Establishing a baseline figure and add-ons that might be required.
- Payment Structure — Deciding whether a deal would be paid outright or in instalments.
- Player’s Position — Gauging whether Baleba is open to a move to Old Trafford.
It’s worth noting that early talks do not guarantee a transfer. Manchester United have been linked with several midfielders, and Brighton may be negotiating from a position of strength.
Potential Challenges for the Deal
While the link makes sense on paper, there are several challenges that could stall or prevent the transfer:
- Brighton’s Demands
They have a track record of holding firm on valuations. If United’s budget is limited after other transfer priorities, they might not be willing to match Brighton’s asking price. - Competition from Other Clubs
Baleba’s performances have likely attracted interest from other top teams in England and abroad. A bidding war could drive up his price. - United’s Financial Strategy
With Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules in mind, United may need to offload players before committing to a large signing. - Brighton’s Squad Plans
If Brighton lose another key player this summer, they may be reluctant to part with Baleba as well.
How Baleba Fits Into United’s Midfield
Should the transfer happen, Baleba’s role at Manchester United would depend on Erik ten Hag’s tactical choices. He could operate as:
- A No. 6 in a Double Pivot alongside a more creative partner like Eriksen or Mount, offering defensive security and ball progression.
- A Box-to-Box No. 8 in a three-man midfield, supporting both defensive duties and forward runs.
- A Rotational Starter initially, gradually taking over from older players like Casemiro as he adapts.
His versatility would give Ten Hag options, especially in a season where fixture congestion from multiple competitions demands squad depth.
Fan Reactions
Manchester United fans have generally reacted positively to the rumours. Social media has been buzzing with highlights of Baleba’s performances, with many noting his composure on the ball and aggressive tackling style. Supporters see him as part of a long-term rebuild that shifts the club away from short-term, high-cost veteran signings.
Brighton fans, on the other hand, are unsurprisingly less enthusiastic about the possibility. Many see Baleba as the next midfield cornerstone, and losing him so soon after Caicedo’s departure would be a blow — even if it came with a hefty fee.
The Bigger Picture for Manchester United
United’s pursuit of Baleba fits into a broader strategy of targeting younger, Premier League-proven players. After years of mixed results from signing established stars past their peak, the club appears focused on building a core of players who can grow together.
If the deal happens, it would also be another example of United looking to Brighton for inspiration — a club that has mastered the art of finding and developing undervalued talent.
What Happens Next
The next few weeks will determine whether this early conversation between Manchester United and Brighton turns into a formal bid. If United prioritise the midfield and have the budget to meet Brighton’s demands, negotiations could accelerate. However, if other positions — such as centre-back or striker — take precedence, Baleba’s signing could be pushed to a future window.
For now, both clubs are keeping their cards close to their chest. Brighton will want to protect their asset’s value, and United will be careful not to appear desperate, which could inflate the asking price.
If United do manage to secure Baleba’s signature, they won’t just be getting a talented young midfielder — they’ll be investing in the future spine of the team. And for a club still searching for stability in its rebuild, that could prove to be a very smart move indeed.
