Man United eye Baleba

Manchester United pursue Carlos Baleba while Brighton signals openness to selling, signaling a test of both clubs’ transfer models.

Man United eye Baleba as Brighton hints at move

Manchester United are targeting Carlos Baleba from Brighton as part of their midfield rebuild after sealing a deal for Benjamin Sesko. Baleba has emerged as a standout in the Seagulls' squad and interest from United has grown amid a busy transfer window. Brighton have previously seen Joao Pedro sold for a substantial fee and have bid farewell to Alexis Mac Allister and Moises Caicedo in recent seasons; this may set the tone for how they handle Baleba's future.

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler said the club is not defined by selling, noting they have had big offers for other players but continue to develop new ones. He emphasized that Brighton will always look for solutions and that togetherness keeps them competitive with bigger clubs. The transfer market can shape the season, and United's pursuit could test Brighton's model while boosting United's midfield depth as they look to challenge at the top.

Beyond Baleba, the deal illustrates how big clubs chase rising talent while midtable teams use sales to fund reinvestment. Brighton has built a business model on selling stars and replacing them with ready-made talent. If Baleba leaves, the club would argue their method still works because they have a pipeline of players who can step up. For United, the pursuit underlines their willingness to pay a premium to secure a difference-maker in midfield.

But the market comes with risks. Prices for young midfielders have surged, and paying top dollar can invite scrutiny from fans and investors who want to see long-term stability, not quick fixes. Brighton's leadership will need to manage expectations around squad chemistry and continuity, while United must decide whether Baleba fits their project beyond the next season. In the end, this is less a single transfer than a test of each club's strategy under pressure.

Highlights

Transfer chatter often reflects deeper strategic questions about stability, timing, and long term growth.