United eyes Baleba move as 2026 plan takes shape

Manchester United eye Carlos Baleba but may wait until 2026 due to price and timing, a plan that fits Ruben Amorim’s patient approach.

Ruben Amorim has ideal Man United solution with £100m Carlos Baleba transfer still in mind

Manchester United are exploring a move for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, but insiders say a 2025 signing is unlikely given Brighton’s valuation of him at more than £100 million. A summer deal would hinge on market conditions and timing, with the club instead weighing a longer view that could align with Casemiro’s future. United’s hierarchy may rely on their veteran midfielder for one more season while planning for a post 2026 shift, a period when Baleba would be entering his prime. Baleba, 21, joined Brighton from Lille for about £23.2 million in 2023 and impressed in 2024/25, drawing attention from Europe’s top clubs. United’s alternatives in the defensive midfield slot include Manuel Ugarte and young talents like Kobbie Mainoo, but the right fit remains undecided. The piece notes Roy Keane’s praise for Baleba, underscoring the potential United believes they could unlock if timing allows.

The report frames this as a long-term strategy rather than a quick fix, suggesting a plan that prioritizes balance over impulse. It highlights how a high price tag can shape both recruitment timing and wage structure, reinforcing that United must manage expectations from fans and investors alike while pursuing a sustainable path. The Casemiro factor remains central: can United extend his stay by a year or more and still add Baleba later, or does the club risk losing momentum in midfield while waiting? The overall message is clear—a patient, data-driven approach could position United for a seamless handover when the time is right.

The article uses Baleba’s ceiling as a proving ground for United’s strategy. It emphasizes patience over rapid acquisitions, a stance that suits a club navigating higher wage bills and a crowded midfield. The piece also raises questions about how a 2026 transition would impact immediate competitiveness, suggesting that a phased plan could protect the club from overspending on an unproven player at the wrong moment. In short, this is less about a single signing and more about how the club builds a credible, long-term identity in the middle of the park.

Highlights

Ambition must meet prudence as United plots a midfield future