Carlos Baleba was briefly linked with Manchester United last summer, but the move never materialized. The Red Devils are looking to upgrade their squad after a disappointing 2024/25 campaign that saw them finish 15th in the Premier League and lose the Europa League final to Tottenham Hotspur.
The English giants are considering succession plans for Casemiro, who has just concluded a mixed campaign, with Baleba considered the ideal candidate for the job. However, United preferred to focus on the front line, signing Matheus Cunha, Brian Mbemo and Benjamin Cesco.
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The Premier League giants also added Sene Lamenz to their squad before the end of the transfer window to bolster their goalkeeper position, with Baleba ultimately staying at Brighton. Casemiro, meanwhile, has had a stellar season but will now leave as a free agent this summer. The Red Devils are expected to revive their interest in Baleba at the end of the season, although he has not been at his best of late.
Baleba’s poor performance this season
Baleba’s outstanding performances for the Seagulls last season prompted United to take notice and consider a move last year. However, it seems the intense speculation over his future may have had a detrimental effect on his performance.
The Cameroonian has made 25 appearances in all competitions this season, starting all but four of them.
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Carlos Baleba Statistics: 2025/26 Season
Source: Transfermarkt.
His poor form has also affected the Seagulls, who currently sit 14th in the league after 26 games. Although Baleba has shown signs of improvement after an impressive run at the Africa Cup of Nations with Cameroon, he is still a shadow of the player who lit up the Amex last season.
The situation has raised questions over a proposed move to Old Trafford, especially as Brighton are reportedly set to demand at least £100m for the 22-year-old. The player has now opened up about his struggles on the pitch.
Baleba open form
Speaking to Sky Sports, Baleba insisted he feels much more relaxed now. “I feel more relaxed now. The noise out there about me, I don’t understand. I’m not looking at the website. I’m more focused on myself and my teammates,” he said.
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The Cameroonian also admitted that he needs to improve, adding: “All my qualities need to improve. The most important quality I have is that I need to enjoy football more because when I play I am very serious and I want to do the right thing or do the right thing on the pitch.”
Finally, the player revealed that Brighton’s coaching staff, as well as his teammates, advised him to enjoy football. “All of them told me to be free, to relax, enjoy and think about football,” he said.
Baleba’s contract with American Express expires in 2028, so Brighton currently have the upper hand in negotiations.
final thoughts
United are also currently eyeing other Premier League-tested midfielders including Sandro Tonali, Adam Walton and Elliott Anderson. The Nottingham Forest midfielder is in peak form this season, so the Red Devils may want to make him their top target this summer.
Featured image Mike Hewitt via Getty Images
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