Manchester United appreciated one decision made by Carlos Baleba in the summer and it is why they are returning for a potential transfer next year.
Manchester United’s director of football, Jason Wilcox, explored options to reinforce the midfield during the summer, though it wasn’t considered the club’s main priority.
Carlos Baleba was strongly linked with a move, with many believing he would have been an ideal fit for Rúben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system. However, the transfer ultimately failed to materialise.
Even after missing out on the Brighton midfielder, United didn’t seem to pursue alternative targets in midfield.
Instead, the recruitment team concentrated on securing deals for Benjamin Šeško and Senne Lammens, while also focusing on offloading Antony, Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Højlund.
United ‘really appreciated’ Baleba decision in the summer
It has been heavily reported that United will be returning for Baleba next year and that is one of the reasons why they didn’t push for another midfielder at the end of the window.
Fabrizio Romano has explained that Baleba’s openness to join United in the summer, despite the club not being in European competition, was something the Reds ‘really appreciated’.
“I’m not surprised Man United did not invest in any other midfielders during the summer transfer window,” Romano said on his YouTube channel.
“I’m not surprised because I always told you that my feeling is that Man United will keep their interest alive in 2026 for Carlos Baleba.
“I’m sure that he will not be cut off the list for Man United in 2026, they were very happy with the player opening the door for them even without Champions League or European football.
“Baleba was very open to joining Man United and the club really appreciated that.”
Baleba’s stance is a green flag
United are obviously planning to sign Baleba because of his quality and potential. He would immediately improve the midfield at Old Trafford.
But it has become clear that those at the club are desperate for all new signings to be wanting to join for the right reasons. Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Šeško and Bryan Mbeumo all rejected Champions League clubs to join United.
Baleba was willing to do the same, but Brighton wouldn’t negotiate with the Reds. That stance is still a huge green flag for those at the top at United.
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He won’t be the only midfield target next summer, however, and United could sign two or three players for that area of the pitch depending on who departs.
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