Manchester United still tracking Carlos Baleba as price tag drops

​Manchester United remain interested in signing Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba and believe his current dip in form could help them secure a more favorable deal.

Journalist Ben Jacobs reports that, despite a mixed start to the 2025/26 season, Brighton have not lost faith in the 22-year-old, and any buying club expects him to rediscover the high level he showed last year.

United explored a move for Baleba last season, but Brighton’s €120 million valuation made negotiations impossible. With his output down this campaign, 21 appearances so far without a goal or assist, the expectation is that any future transfer fee would be significantly lower than that earlier asking price. Even so, Brighton still view him as a valuable asset rather than a player to offload cheaply.

Baleba remains on United’s midfield shortlist as they look to refresh the squad and plan long term.

Club decision-makers believe that in a new environment and system he could return to his dynamic best, offering energy, ball-winning and progression from deep, much closer to the standout version he displayed in 2024/25.