Manchester United don't give up! The “Devils” have reopened talks for the transfer that “escaped” them in the summer
Article by Dragoș Petrescu – Published on Saturday, 03 January 2026 20:11 / Updated on Saturday, 03 January 2026 20:17
Carlos Baleba (22 years old) remains at the top of the priority list of those from Manchester United and in the current mercato period, this after four months ago Brighton opposed the transfer.
Ruben Amorim wants to strengthen his midfield, and the main target of the Lusitanian technician for this transfer window remains Carlos Baleba, the Cameroonian player of Brighton, who was close to reaching Old Trafford last summer as well.
At the time, the defensive midfielder of the “Seagulls” would have agreed to the transfer. Fabian Hurzeler (Brighton's coach) and those in the club's management at the AMEX Stadium did not give the green light to the move.
United try again to transfer Baleba, but Brighton remain in positions!
Thus, the 22-year-old midfielder played in the first half of the 2025/2026 season also in the blue-white shirt, during which he made 19 appearances in all competitions.
Carlos Baleba in action for Brighton this Premier League season // PHOTO: Getty Images
However, once the mercato period reopens, those from United want to continue discussions with Brighton, hoping that they will be able to agree on all the details of the transfer.
It seems, however, that the “seagulls” officials are once again holding their positions. According to reports in the island's media, Brighton do not rule out a future transfer of Baleba, but AMEX officials have informed the “devils” that any kind of discussions regarding a possible departure of the Cameroonian will only take place in the summer, certainly not now, in the middle of the season.
However, Manchester United looked to test the pitch again soon after Brighton completed the signing of Pascal Gross, who returned to the AMEX this winter after a year and a half in Germany at Borussia Dortmund. However, Paul Barber, chairman of the Albion group, did not give the Devils any hope.
At the moment, Carlos (no – Baleba) is Brighton's player and we have not the slightest intention of selling him. Regardless of the amount.
We are aware of the talent and potential he has and that is exactly why we want to have him with us until the end of the season. What will happen in the summer…remains to be seen. But now, he is not for sale.
– Paul Barber, for Sky Sports
United's backup options, in case Baleba's transfer does not materialize even now
However, it seems that Ruben Amorim is also ready in the event that Brighton block Baleba's move to Old Trafford again.
60 million eurosis Carlos Baleba's market share at the moment, according to Transfermarkt
Those from Sky Sports announce that the Portuguese technician has three other central midfielders in his sights, also from the Premier League.
It is about Elliot Anderson (23 years old, Nottingham Forest), Adam Wharton (21 years old, Crystal Palace), respectively Joao Gomes (24 years old, Wolverhampton).
Premier League standings:
