Manchester United have been handed a transfer boost with Bayern Munich ending their interest in Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba, who remains a target for Ruben Amorim’s side.
Last summer, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed that Manchester United wanted to sign Carlos Baleba from Brighton & Hove Albion to rebuild their midfield.
A deal was not agreed between the two clubs, as it was reported that the Seagulls would look for a similar price to what they received from Chelsea for Moisés Caicedo, which broke the British transfer record at the time.
United retain their interest in Baleba, despite missing out on him last August, and are expected to return for the Cameroonian next summer. A move in January is unlikely as Brighton are reluctant to sell and the player is currently on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations.
The interest from United emerged after an impressive 2024/25 campaign but Baleba’s form has suffered since the news broke at the beginning of this season. He is rarely completing 90 minutes in most Brighton matches and is yet to record a goal contribution this season.
Despite this, interest in the player is still there. Alongside United, clubs such as Chelsea, Manchester City, Liverpool and Bayern Munich have kept tabs on Baleba, and it looks increasingly likely he will move on at the end of this season.
Is Baleba right for United?
Quick, strong, energetic and technical. Baleba’s qualities are undeniable, and his future should be very promising. From what we saw last season, it is clear that he would be an ideal midfielder in any system, not just Ruben Amorim’s.
Because of this, Baleba is top of United’s shortlist for next summer and the club are expected to revive last summer’s interest next time around. Personal terms will reportedly be no issue, as Baleba is keen on a move to Old Trafford, but the price tag could be a stumbling block.
Romano has recently revealed on his YouTube channel that United are still “absolutely interested in the player and remain in contact with people close to the player.”
A midfield overhaul is definitely needed for United, but they must target the right players. After links last summer, Baleba’s form has clearly dipped, and Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler has even suggested that the United rumours have affected the 21-year-old.
United have shown that they are keen to add players who want to play for the club, which is understandable, but it is equally important that these players have the quality and character that United requires. Baleba’s current situation has raised many question marks within the fanbase.
Bayern end interest in Baleba
It has been reported in recent months that the German champions are keen to add a midfielder to their squad and Baleba was a possible target. However, Romano has clarified the situation, explaining Bayern’s position on the player and discussing United’s plans.
“There were rumours in December in the past couple of weeks about Bayern Munich being in talks, being interested in Baleba. Bayern, from what I’m told at this stage, are not working on a deal for Baleba.
“They feel that the player wants to stay in England and already last summer wanted to go to Man United. Bayern are informed about that.”
From this, it is clear that United are Baleba’s favoured destination, and it suggests that other clubs will come to the same conclusion as Bayern. This puts United in pole position to sign Baleba, which leads many to believe that this is the player United will sign for their midfield in 2026.
Baleba could be accompanied by a further addition to the midfield, with Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson on United’s shortlist, but the club will face lots of competition for the pair, making a deal more difficult.
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