If Manchester United are to make one more signing before this summer transfer window closes you can expect that to be Carlos Baleba. The Cameroonian midfielder is at the top of Ruben Amorim, Jason Wilcox and INEOS' wishlist.
Ben Jacobs has told The United Stand that United are in club-to-club talks with Brighton & Hove Albion. He claims that if there is a suggestion that a deal is possible then the Red Devils will make their move.
A new number six is vital for Amorim and you could argue should have been prioritised ahead of at least one of his three new forwards. Baleba is the ideal candidate for the role, performing out of his skin at the Amex last season.
While the Reds are evidently keen on the 21-year-old there is no certainty they get a deal done. If Brighton play hardball and demand an unreasonable price it could give INEOS no option but to move on.
Man United must stay focused on Baleba
Jacobs also revealed that Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton is a potential alternative while Amorim "really likes" Manuel Ugarte and wants Kobbie Mainoo to stay. If the club fail to sign Baleba it doesn't mean they rule out bringing a new holding midfielder to Old Trafford.
United could then sign an alternative for around £30-40m but Jacobs stressed that it would make signing Baleba next summer more difficult because of PSR. It's a tricky situation because on one hand you need an immediate arrival because that midfield is way too vunerable.
🚨 Man United do like Adam Wharton. Amorim really likes Ugarte; he wants Mainoo to stay, and, at the moment, Casemiro is still at the club.
— The United Stand (@UnitedStandMUFC) August 14, 2025
United could fail with Baleba and then bring someone else in for £30m/£40m, but that would mean more challenges in getting Baleba next… pic.twitter.com/oOAeRTGjx6
Yet on the other hand if it means cooling the Baleba interest for now, then it could prove costly. He's only going to improve at the Amex and garner more interest. There's already suggestions that the likes of Manchester City are keen.
We know the Cameroon international is open to the move so sticking with the plan and continuing to pursue him should be the priority. The loan market is a possibility for a new six to join on a temporary basis while INEOS look to get an acceptable price figured out with Brighton for next summer.
Amorim "loves" Baleba
Amorim has been backed this summer with three new signings: Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha. The attacking trio are going to give the Portuguese coach a completely new-look attack.
The Red Devils boss likely made clear one of the main issues his team experienced last season was their lack of clinicalism in front of goal. But he will also be quick to point out the issues that remain in midfield which were on display throughout pre-season.
Baleba is the man for the job, with his impressive engine room, ball-carrying abilities and reading of the game. He could cost upwards of £100m but offering a package deal with £80m offered upfront could help the Reds secure his signature.
Jacobs advised being wary of fees reported in the media, as this isn't how Brighton operates. But any fee that the Seagulls do demand would likely be acceptable for Amorim, who Fabrizio Romano suggests loves the player (via GIVEMESPORT):
"Baleba is considered the perfect midfielder, the player loved by the coach Ruben Amorim."
Baleba appeared 34 times across competitions last season, registering four goals and three assists. He has been with Brighton since August 2023 after joining from LOSC Lille where he was teammates with United centre-back Leny Yoro.
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