Baleba bid update from United

Manchester United pursue Baleba while Brighton uses a Caicedo style tactic to guard their asset in a crowded summer market

Baleba to United faces Brighton wall as Caicedo tactic echoes in bid

Manchester United are negotiating to sign Carlos Baleba from Brighton, but the Seagulls are insisting on their valuation and keeping a firm stance. Baleba has a contract with Brighton until 2028 and he made 34 Premier League appearances last season, helping the team to notable wins over Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool. The talks are described as ongoing, with United trying to understand how high the price wall is while balancing the financial side of the deal. The report notes that Brighton used a similar negotiation approach in the Caicedo deal with Chelsea, suggesting a disciplined and patient stance rather than a rushed exit.

This case shows how big clubs pursue rising talents in a crowded window while smaller clubs defend value. Brighton trades on a clear message that price and timing matter, and they have shown they can turn talks into leverage. United remains engaged, signaling they are willing to pay a premium but must navigate a delicate balance between ambition and budget. The presence of a back up option, Adam Wharton, indicates United hedges risk rather than chasing a single target. The dynamic also reflects how managers frame a club’s identity — Brighton emphasizes togetherness even as money and competition grow louder.

Highlights

The window will reveal how much patience and price shape the season ahead