Carlos Baleba, Brighton’s Cameroonian defensive midfielder, has become one of the most closely watched names of this summer transfer window.
At only 21, the player who established himself as a key figure for the Seagulls is drawing growing interest from Manchester United, who are ready to spend big to reinforce their midfield. According to several sources, talks between the player’s agents and United have intensified, indicating the club’s firm desire to finalize the deal before the end of the transfer window.
Brighton, for its part, is not making the transaction easy and has set a minimum price at 100 million euros, which would place Baleba among the most expensive Africans in football history. This amount, far from scaring off suitors, is proof of the stature the player has acquired since arriving in the Premier League. While Baleba wants to join Manchester, he remains professional in his communication, emphasizing his priority to progress and support his current club, without rushing his departure.
The Douala native is tied to Brighton until 2028 and already has a market valuation of 40 million, far from the astronomical figures quoted by his club. Besides United, Liverpool and Manchester City are also closely monitoring the situation, each considering bringing in this rare profile capable of influencing the game both defensively and offensively. But all parties have been warned: Brighton will not let their jewel go cheaply, which could prolong negotiations until the final days of the window.
If the deal is finalized, Baleba would become not only the most expensive Cameroonian player in history but a symbol of the rising power of African footballers in Europe’s top clubs. His professionalism, maturity, and qualities make him an ideal candidate to lead the Red Devils’ midfield next season, provided all sides reach an agreement—and the transfer saga finds its resolution.
