Brighton Star Carlos Baleba Privately Expressed Desire to Join Man Utd

Manchester United are interested in signing Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, and he’s privately expressed a desire to make the move to Old Trafford in the near future, according to the Daily Mail.

Adding a new midfielder could be one of United’s priorities in 2026, whether that be in the January transfer window or later in the year in the summer. The Red Devils haven’t shown many signs of making some concrete moves in the winter market so far, as they are yet to complete any new additions.

The likes of Baleba are going to be difficult to poach from Brighton in January, as the Seagulls won’t want to lose one of their star players in the middle of the season. There’s no doubt the Red Devils need midfield additions in the near future, especially with Casemiro confirming that he will be leaving the club at the end of the campaign.

Man Utd Target Wants to Join

According to a report from the Daily Mail, Manchester United are relaxed about Brighton midfielder Baleba, with the Cameroonian international privately expressing his desire to make the move to Old Trafford to play with international team-mate Bryan Mbeumo.

Baleba is a primary target for the Red Devils as they look to bolster their midfield options, but he’s among a host of targets who they are currently looking at.

Reports have claimed that Baleba could cost in the region of £110m if United are to try and secure his signature in the summer. The 22-year-old has been a regular since breaking through at Brighton, starting 15 Premier League games so far this season.

If United are able to bring in Baleba in the summer, he’s a midfielder who is capable of making an immediate impact, while he’s also yet to reach his full potential.

Mainoo Resurgence Could Lessen Midfield Need

There aren’t many who have doubted the ability of Kobbie Mainoo since he burst onto the scene at United, except Ruben Amorim. The former United manager rarely gave Mainoo an opportunity to express himself this season, but under Michael Carrick, who was recently appointed as interim boss, the England international has shown he’s capable of being a key cog for the Manchester club.

Mainoo’s resurgence in recent weeks might have lessened United’s need to bring in a midfielder, especially in the winter. When the summer arrives and Casemiro departs, signing a midfielder is likely to become a priority once again.