Carlos Baleba fuels links with Manchester United

Ruben Amorim’s search for midfield reinforcements continues to shape conversations both on and off the pitch, with attention once again turning to Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba.

Manchester United’s long-standing interest in Carlos Baleba dates back to last summer, when the club explored a deal but were ultimately priced out after Brighton & Hove Albion quoted a figure in excess of £100 million.

United’s recruitment team viewed that valuation as prohibitive at the time, particularly under new financial controls introduced following INEOS’ arrival

The move was inevitably shelved despite internal admiration for Baleba’s athletic profile and upside.

Brighton’s stance was shaped by strong Premier League interest, with clubs including Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester City all tracking Baleba’s development.

United’s midfield issues have since intensified, especially with injuries and form concerns, keeping Baleba firmly on the club’s long-term shortlist despite the failed approach last summer.

Alongside Baleba, United are also monitoring alternative midfield options such as João Gomes, Adam Wharton, Elliot Anderson and Ruben Neves, each offering different profiles depending on budget and squad balance.

To fund a deal of that scale, United would likely need to sanction at least one major departure, with senior midfielders such as Casemiro or fringe assets potentially moved on.

The Portuguese manager is currently short of options in central areas following Bruno Fernandes’ injury.

Speaking ahead of the tournament, the Brighton midfielder highlighted the leadership within the Cameroon squad, singling out Manchester United forward Bryan Mbeumo for particular praise, according to The Mirror.

Baleba also reflected on his own development as a leader while acknowledging the influence of senior figures around him.

“I’ve become a big leader but there are a lot of leaders in the group,” he added. “There are a lot of leaders like Bryan Mbeumo.”

“But everyone, we’re going to stay together and play. And maybe we can give all of ourselves to our country. But the first thing is to believe in our team.”

“I believe in our players,” Baleba said. “We go to play the AFCON, and I think we’re going to do well.”

“Playing for Cameroon, for me it’s big, because I want to win something with my country. It’s a pleasure to play for my country. I want to win the AFCON and World Cup with my country!”

Only time will tell if Manchester United and Ruben Amorim will be able to lure the Cameroonian midfielder away from the Seagulls come summer.