Manchester United setback in Baleba bid

Manchester United face a setback in their bid to sign Carlos Baleba from Brighton after an opening offer is rejected, while the club pivots to midfield goals.

Manchester United suffer setback in Baleba bid from Brighton

Manchester United have already spent heavily this window on attackers Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko. Reports say they made a bid for Carlos Baleba that blended cash with a United player, Toby Collyer, but Brighton rejected the offer and reportedly set a price around £115 million. Baleba has not played in Brighton's last three pre season games due to a knee issue, and Brighton would prefer to keep him if possible. Still, the club has a contingency plan if a deal falls through and wants to protect value for a player they see as central to their project.
Brighton would prefer Baleba to stay, and they have midfield options ready if he leaves, including Diego Gomes and Malick Yalcouye. United may return with a higher bid, but the market around young midfield talent has already shown how price can shape strategy. The outcome will depend on whether United can bridge the gap or shift focus to other targets in a busy window.

The setback highlights how transfer markets are driven by price as much as need. Baleba fits United's long term plan for a creative engine in midfield, but the proposed fee tests the club's budget and risk profile. Spending over £200 million on attackers already raises questions about sustainability and return on investment if Baleba arrives at a premium. This episode also shows Brighton leveraging leverage in negotiations, signaling that small gaps in valuation can stall a deal for weeks.
If United pushes again, they risk reinforcing a narrative of ambition without restraint. If they walk away or pivot, they risk leaving a gap in midfield that might be filled only after the window closes. Either path will shape how fans and pundits judge United's strategy this season.

Highlights

The window keeps turning and the next move will reveal Uniteds true pace and patience.