Manchester United remain keen on a player who is considered unattainable this transfer window.
Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, and Benjamin Sesko will boost the Red Devils’ attack, but other squad areas still need work.
Bruno Fernandes led all Premier League midfielders in chances created on opening weekend, with five. But the question remains about who best complements him in the middle of the park.
Fernandes’ long-term role may become a topic of debate down the line, which is why United have turned their attention to strengthening their options in that area.
Carlos Baleba has emerged as their primary target. The Brighton midfielder, who has spoken openly about his admiration for Paul Pogba, is seen as one of the league’s more promising young talents.
Carlos Baleba, who joined Brighton from Lille in 2023 to replace Moises Caicedo, is set to begin his third Premier League season.
But Brighton have made it clear they are not willing to part with him, no matter the offer.
That has left United facing a decision: whether to look elsewhere now or hold off and wait until next summer, when Baleba might be more attainable.
Fabrizio Romano’s latest comments give some insight into what the club might be thinking.
Speaking on YouTube, Romano said: “For 2026, not this transfer window, for the future, will maintain the name of Carlos Baleba very high on their shortlist.
“Amorim is in love, the management is in love, the recruitment team is in love, they believe that Baleba is the perfect player.”
Brighton reportedly blocked Manchester United’s attempt to break their transfer record for Carlos Baleba.
Fabrizio Romano has shared that there had been promising talks behind the scenes, which could lay the groundwork for future negotiations.
“When you have that kind of strong feeling, very good connection with the player, very good connections with his agents, when Manchester United had contacts with his agents in recent weeks, it was very positive.
“Over contract, personal terms, intention to join without European football, I don’t think it’s over for United and Baleba.”
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