Carlos Baleba tells Manchester United stars he is ready for Old Trafford switch

Manchester United’s summer transfer plans have taken a fresh twist after Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba reportedly made direct contact with several members of the Old Trafford dressing room to explore a potential move.

The 22-year-old, who was a major target for United last summer before Brighton’s valuation exceeded £100 million, remains high on the club’s midfield shortlist as they prepare for another rebuild.

According to The Sun, Baleba is strongly interested in the switch and has been seeking informal insight from United players about life inside the squad.

Discussions have taken place in recent weeks, including after Brighton’s 3-0 defeat to United at the Amex on the final day of the season, underlining the growing momentum around a possible transfer.

Carlos Baleba

Baleba is understood to be increasingly open to the idea of joining Manchester United, viewing the step as a natural progression in his career.

The Brighton midfielder has been actively gathering information from players he has come across recently, using personal conversations to better understand the demands and expectations at Old Trafford.

Those close to the situation suggest the Cameroon international is attracted by the prospect of moving to a traditional European heavyweight.

Bruno Fernandes

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes is among those Baleba has engaged with directly. The pair spoke after United’s 3-0 win over Brighton on the final day of the campaign, with Baleba reportedly asking about the club’s internal standards and dressing-room dynamics.

Fernandes is believed to have provided a positive assessment of the environment and competitiveness within the squad.

Matheus Cunha

Forward Matheus Cunha is also understood to be part of Baleba’s informal network of contacts at United. The Brighton midfielder is said to have exchanged words with him following the same fixture, using the opportunity to assess the direction of the club’s long-term project and the ambitions driving the current squad.

Leny Yoro

Defender Leny Yoro shares a closer personal link with Baleba, having come through the ranks together at Lille. Their relationship has continued into senior football, with both players maintaining contact.

Conversations between the two are believed to have focused on adapting to the intensity and expectations of elite-level competition.

Bryan Mbeumo

Cameroon international Bryan Mbeumo is another influential voice in Baleba’s circle. Their shared national team experience has strengthened their connection, and Mbeumo is thought to have encouraged the midfielder regarding a potential move to Manchester United, highlighting the prestige and opportunity associated with playing at Old Trafford.