Why Carlos Baleba Could Be the Midfield Catalyst Manchester United Desperately Need in 2025/26

The new Premier League season is upon us, and Manchester United fans are again walking a tightrope between hope and frustration. With Ruben Amorim, there’s a clearer tactical identity forming, and for the first time in years, United seem to be building with purpose. Their attack has been revamped with the signings of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and a deal very close for Benjamin Šeško deal that could be announced before the opening weekend. However, the engine room remains unfinished. United’s midfield, the weak spot of last season, still lacks the dynamism needed to support both the defence and the attack.

There’s a reason why Carlos Baleba has emerged as the top name on Manchester United’s wish list. He is more than just a promising young midfielder. He might be the final piece of the puzzle that turns a newly structured side into one capable of actually competing on multiple fronts.

United’s Attack Has Been Rebuilt, but the Midfield Remains Fragile

Over the summer, INEOS sanctioned a major attacking overhaul. Matheus Cunha was brought in from Wolves for £62.5 million, and Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo followed for £71 million with add-ons. The club is also on the verge of completing a deal for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Šeško, which is expected to cost around £70-75 million plus £9 million in add-ons.

These additions give Amorim a faster, more mobile and technically sharper front line. Together, Cunha and Mbeumo contributed 48 goals and assists last season, while Šeško netted 18 goals in all competitions. It’s clear that Amorim wants his front three to press, combine, and finish, traits that were sorely missing last year.

Even the most dynamic forward line needs a functioning midfield behind it. That’s where Manchester United have been lacking. A department that seems increasingly uncertain in Amorim’s setup. Casemiro was impressive, but is clearly declining. Ugarte, though energetic, struggled for consistency after his injury last season. A poor display against Everton a few days ago was enough for United to cash in for a midfielder. In that context, the chase for Baleba makes perfect sense.

Carlos Baleba: A Modern Midfielder 

Carlos Baleba is only 21, yet he already feels like a Premier League veteran. Signed by Brighton from Lille in 2023 for €27 million, he has blossomed into one of the league’s most complete midfielders. Last season, he made 34 Premier League appearances, scored three goals, and won Brighton’s Young Player of the Season award.

His 46 tackles and 46 interceptions were among the best for midfielders in the league. His performances were so impressive that his value has now ballooned to around £90 million, with Brighton reluctant to sell unless their price is met. He was originally brought in to replace Moises Caicedo, and he has done that job so well.

What makes Baleba special is how he blends physicality with composure. He’s not just a ball-winner, he’s a carrier, a link between defence and attack. He thrives in chaotic moments, often emerging with the ball at his feet and looking to progress play forward. He idolisez players like Modrić, Kroos, and Rodri, and it’s clear he models his game on that archetype, a holding midfielder with brains and bravery.

Fabrizio Romano and David Ornstein have confirmed that United have made contact with Brighton through intermediaries and are seriously exploring the conditions of a deal. However, Brighton CEO Paul Barber insists that no formal approach has been made and that the club hopes Baleba stays for many more years. That stance could soften closer to deadline day if the right bid comes in.

Baleba Could Unlock Ugarte and Mainoo

One of the biggest appeals of signing Baleba is the immediate and transformative impact he could have on the players already at the club. Manuel Ugarte is a workhorse, but his passing can be erratic under pressure. Kobbie Mainoo is full of potential but lacks the support around him to truly dominate games. Baleba could change that dynamic entirely.

With Baleba providing defensive coverage and taking on the responsibility of breaking up play, Mainoo could operate in more advanced areas, where his vision and timing would have far greater impact. Ugarte, meanwhile, would benefit from having someone equally athletic beside him, reducing his workload and mental pressure during transitions. It’s a trio that could finally give United the kind of midfield fluidity they’ve lacked since the days of Carrick and Scholes.

Rio Ferdinand has gone as far as saying that United should forget about spending big on another forward and instead put all their focus on landing Baleba. He sees him as the engine United need, a player who doesn’t just fill gaps but elevates the players around him.

A Signing That Would Define the Window

If Manchester United manage to sign Carlos Baleba before the end of the transfer window, it would mark one of the most balanced and forward-thinking windows in the club’s recent history. They will have addressed all three zones of the pitch with quality and vision. The attack now has pace and purpose, the defence looks more structured under Amorim, and with Baleba, the midfield would gain stability, athleticism, and tactical intelligence.

Brighton will not make this deal easy. They are holding out for a premium fee and know just how valuable Baleba is. United, in turn, may need to sell one or two players to balance the books, names like Sancho, Garnacho or Antony have been floated around. But if this move goes through, it will show that INEOS are serious about building not just a squad of names, but a team built on balance and functionality.

Final Thoughts 

Carlos Baleba is not just a good signing. He is the kind of profile Manchester United have lacked for years. He offers control without sacrificing intensity, youth with experience, and potential that can be tapped into immediately. In a squad full of attacking firepower, Baleba would be the heartbeat. He would make United harder to break down, quicker in transition, and better equipped to handle the demands of modern football.

If INEOS can pull this off, it won’t just be the biggest signing of the summer. It could be the one that finally brings structure and stability to a team that has spent too long running in circles. As the season begins, all eyes will be on whether United can land the player who might finally help them turn potential into consistency.