Brighton CEO breaks silence on Man United's pursuit of Baleba
Manchester United are actively looking to bolster their squad ahead of the 2025-26 season.
It was revealed recently that Man United have made contact with Brighton & Hove Albion to explore the conditions of a deal for midfielder Carlos Baleba.
However, Brighton CEO Paul Barber has poured cold water on those claims, insisting that the Red Devils have yet to approach the club directly.
He said (via BBC): “There’s always going to be interest in our players. Man United have not been in touch with me. Speculation is speculation.
“Carlos is a fantastic talent. We hope he’ll be here for years to come – but its subject to the dynamics of the football world, which isn’t always predictable.”
Signing Baleba will be difficult
The Seagulls are known for driving a hard bargain and are unlikely to sanction a sale with just three weeks left in the transfer window.
Even if United make a breakthrough, Brighton are likely to demand a fee in the region of £85 million for their prized asset.
The 21-year-old has emerged as one of the most exciting young midfielders in the Premier League, catching the eye with his physicality and composure.
He joined Brighton in 2023 and has seamlessly stepped into the void left by Moises Caicedo.
United head coach Ruben Amorim wants an athletic midfielder in his ranks.
Bruno Fernandes is expected to play in the midfield pivot in the upcoming season after the arrival of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.
Amorim needs to find him a defensively disciplined partner who could also help the team by playing progressive passes.
Baleba fits the bill perfectly. He is a front-foot operator with relentless tenacity and natural defensive instincts.
United have already shelled out £130m to land Cunha and Mbeumo, and their outlay could surpass £200m if Sesko seals his move to Old Trafford.
Unless the Red Devils offload some of their first-team stars, it is unlikely they will have the financial headroom for another marquee signing this summer.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .