Brighton count on young loanee to replace Carlos Baleba amid £104m Man United interest

Manchester United are serious about their interest in Carlos Baleba, and when Ineos go public with a target, it usually means they’re confident something can be worked out. But that doesn’t mean it’ll be straightforward.

Brighton have reportedly set their asking price at £104 million, which is a huge number. But given Baleba’s quality, they might feel justified holding firm at that figure.

Still, that kind of fee looks out of reach for United right now unless they make some significant sales first, and none have materialised yet.

The Athletic are now reporting that Brighton may be more open to a deal in 2026 because of the backup plan they already have in place. 

The club expect to keep Baleba for another season, so his expected successor, 19-year-old Malick Yalcouye, can spend another year on loan before stepping up.

This is classic Brighton planning ahead – just like when Baleba was brought in to eventually replace Moises Caicedo.

United missed out on signing him back then but are now looking to put that right. They will just need to pay far more than they would have a year ago.

Man United also tried to sign Malick Yalcouye

Brighton’s conveyor belt of young midfield talent all began with Moises Caicedo. Manchester United missed out on him before he joined Brighton, who later sold him for £115m.

This was a sore spot for the previous recruitment team, and Baleba was another one that got away when the club had eyes on him at Lille.

Even his replacement, Yalcouye, had once been on United’s radar.

The club were monitoring Yalcouye in 2024 with an eye towards a move around £7m. But nothing materialised, as their new recruitment team was still getting settled last summer.

Brighton then stepped in and secured Yalcouye. In another year, he could be ready to fill Baleba’s boots and potentially become another £100m midfielder if things fall into place.

United hope they have addressed this pattern with Sekou Kone, who is expected to develop into a top player down the line.