Carlos Baleba shows interest in moving to Manchester United.

Carlos Baleba is seriously considering a move to Old Trafford, provided that Manchester United shows interest in the coming weeks. According to Ben Jacobs, quoted by The United Stand, it would be “logical” for Brighton & Hove Albion to have lowered their valuation compared to what they asked for last year, when they sought around £115 million for midfielder Moises Caicedo.

Manchester United, for its part, has internally set a ceiling of £75 million for Baleba, a 22-year-old player whose performance has fluctuated throughout the 2025/2026 season. A significant obstacle in the negotiations is the ankle ligament injury the player recently suffered, which is expected to keep him out at the start of the new season. However, David Ornstein indicated that the injury should not be a “long-term problem,” which could encourage United to proceed with the transfer.

The Manchester team has kept Baleba on its radar for over a year, and the scarcity of midfielders that meet INEOS's criteria is making the market even more competitive. If the transfer goes through, Baleba would be the third addition of a player with Premier League experience, following Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, in a necessary squad reconstruction.

Fabrizio Romano has reported that Baleba is “putting immense pressure” to join Manchester United before the transfer window closes, although the Red Devils have not yet reopened negotiations following last year's failed approach. Currently, the club's priority is to find a midfielder who can contribute immediately, especially considering the uncertainty surrounding Manuel Ugarte's return, who suffered a serious knee injury during the World Cup that required surgery.

Manchester United will begin their 2026/2027 campaign away from home, facing newly promoted Hull City on August 22. The anticipation surrounding the club is palpable, as fans eagerly await improvements to the team, and the possible arrival of Baleba could be an important step in the quest for better performance in this new season.