Manchester United update on Baleba and Wharton

An editorial look at United’s pursuit of Baleba and Wharton amid high transfer costs and a busy window.

Manchester United weigh Baleba price amid transfer deadline pressure

Brighton want more than £100m for Baleba, a price Manchester United are not prepared to meet, according to The Telegraph. The report says direct talks have not started and Baleba’s value is already a talking point as United seek a midfield upgrade before the new season.

Manchester United may turn to Adam Wharton as an alternative if Baleba stays out of reach, The Independent reports, while The Manchester Evening News notes the club could need to offload players such as Jadon Sancho and Antony to fund deals. Palace would not sell Wharton cheaply, and Real Betis remains hopeful Antony will stay with them this summer.

Baleba’s high price highlights a wider market trend where potential and name value can outpace a player’s track record. United have shown spending ambition, but the sums involved probe the club’s long-term strategy and financial discipline.

Public reaction is a wildcard in this window. If United do not balance ambition with prudence, fan trust could be tested even as investors watch how the club manages its funds. The coming weeks will reveal whether the squad can sustain momentum while balancing the cost of a crowded market.

Highlights

The transfer window still has chapters to write for Manchester United.