Manchester United on the prowl for Brighton’s Carlos Buleba

MANCHESTER: Manchester United opened initial talks with Brighton and Hove Albion regarding a potential transfer for Carlos Baleba.

The 21-year-old Cameroonian midfielder recently established himself as a standout performer in the Premiere League.

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Brighton, however, apparently is reluctant to part ways with Baleba. The midfielder joined the club from Lille in 2023 and has since become an important player.

His combination of athleticism, goal-scoring abilities and prowess in transitioning play make him a highly prized asset. The club views the 21-year-old as central to their long-term plans and is expected to demand a substantial fee.

Meanwhile, Manchester United’s interest in Carlos Baleba comes amid a broader effort by the club to reinforce their midfield as they prepare for the 2025-2026 season.

The club is also pursuing RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko but faces significant financial constraints.

As per reports, Manchester United’s capacity to secure Baleba hinges in part on offloading current players to balance the transfer fees and wages.

Players such as Jadon Sancho, Antony and Alejandro Garnacho may be candidates to be spared, as Manchester United looks to restructure its squad depth and wage bill.  

Baleba’s valuation is reported to be in the region of £80 million to £100 million.

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There are indications the Cameroonian is also interested in migrating to the Old Trafford. This suggests that the player views a transfer to the Manchester United as the next step in his career.