Manchester United are targeting Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba as part of the club's midfield rebuild, but the 22-year-old could face an instant setback if he completes a move to Old Trafford.
Michael Carrick's side have submitted a £60million bid, plus another £5m in add-ons, for the defensive midfielder. United's interest in Baleba pre-dates Carrick's reign as manager, with the club having previously pursued him last summer. Brighton reportedly set the midfielder's price at over £100m at that time.
Baleba Would Be Third Midfield Addition
Baleba would be United's third addition to the engine room, following their earlier moves for Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos. A year on from the initial pursuit, United could land a cut-price deal, though he would still be their most expensive signing this summer.
While it remains to be seen whether United will finally get their man, Baleba will be forced to select a new squad number in an immediate blow if he does sign. He currently wears No.17 for Brighton, but Andrey Santos has already taken that spot in the United squad after his £50m switch from Chelsea last month.
Available Numbers at Old Trafford
Before last season, Baleba wore No.20 during his first two years with the Seagulls. That number is currently up for grabs at United, having last been assigned to Diogo Dalot during the 2024/25 campaign. Further back in his career, the young midfielder made his first-team breakthrough at Lille during the 2022/23 season, wearing No.35 as he made a name for himself in Ligue 1, prompting Brighton to snap him up that summer.
The No.35 slot is also available at United, should Baleba want to return to one of his previous squad numbers. As he is unlikely to be assigned No.9, No.20 is the next available spot, with Nos. 21 and 24 also free among the top 25.
Recent Form and Impact
Baleba suffered a dip in form last term but still featured in 31 of Brighton's league games. He made 23 starts as Fabian Hurzeler's side finished eighth to qualify for the Europa Conference League play-offs.
