Manchester United have initiated contact with Brighton & Hove Albion via intermediaries to assess the possibility of signing highly rated midfielder Carlos Baleba ahead of the new season.
The Cameroon international, 21, is under contract with Brighton until 2028, with an option for a further year, and the south coast club remain reluctant to sell.
United’s interest, however, has been formally relayed through go-betweens as the club seeks reinforcements in central midfield and attack.
Baleba, who joined Brighton from Lille in 2023 for just under £26 million, has quickly developed into one of the Premier League’s standout young midfielders.
He made 40 appearances across all competitions last season, scoring four goals and contributing two assists. The Douala-born player has also earned seven caps for Cameroon.
Brighton are determined to keep Baleba for at least another season and have indicated their preference to resist all approaches this summer.
A transfer at this stage is considered unlikely, especially with Manchester United also pursuing RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Šeško.
The club’s financial position suggests they may not be able to afford two big-money signings unless significant sales are completed.
Nonetheless, Baleba remains high on United’s shortlist for the defensive midfield role. According to The Athletic, the club are targeting a more mobile option to complement their current midfield, which includes Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte, Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, and Toby Collyer. Collyer, also 21, is expected to leave on loan, while Casemiro has entered the final year of his contract.
New manager Ruben Amorim, who prefers a 3-4-3 system, is pushing for upgrades in two key areas — striker and holding midfield — and the club’s recruitment strategy is expected to intensify in the coming days.
United’s next steps could hinge on whether their pursuit of Šeško is successful and how the market evolves for Baleba.
