Carlos Baleba, a 21-year-old Cameroonian midfielder under contract with Brighton until June 2028, is drawing significant attention in the Premier League. His excellent start to the season and national team performances have attracted interest from major English clubs such as Manchester United, Liverpool, and Tottenham, all eager to sign him. However, a transfer during the January window appears unlikely.
Brighton is firmly refusing to sell Baleba mid-season, demanding between £100 million and £120 million (approximately €114 to €137 million). This high price is a major barrier for suitors, especially as Baleba has a long-term contract and Brighton already has a potential successor. Additionally, the club prefers to transfer the player during the summer window of 2026 rather than January 2026.
On Manchester United’s side, while the club has expressed strong interest and even considered a record transfer exceeding €110 million, their priority would be a 2026 transfer if a January deal fails. The Red Devils might also consider alternatives if unsuccessful, targeting other midfield profiles. Manager Ruben Amorim is under pressure to rebuild a competitive team, but patience is advised regarding Baleba’s arrival.
In summary, although Carlos Baleba remains a key target for top English clubs, Brighton’s clear strategy is to keep him until summer 2026, setting a high price that slows negotiations during the winter transfer window. Manchester United and rivals will likely need to wait, especially as Baleba must recover from a knee injury to regain peak form. The transfer saga of Baleba is expected to continue for several months, with high suspense around the upcoming summer window.