Manchester United are actively investigating the possibility of a stunning January move for Brighton & Hove Albion's highly-rated midfielder Carlos Baleba, according to reports. The 21-year-old Cameroonian remains a primary target for the Old Trafford hierarchy, despite the Seagulls' firm stance that he is not for sale.
The Staggering Price Tag and Brighton's Stance
As reported by Daily Mail Sport and Sky Sports, United have 'explored the conditions' of a potential winter switch. However, any deal would require a monumental fee. When United made tentative enquiries in August, Brighton communicated that Baleba could only leave for a staggering £115 million. This figure would shatter United's existing transfer record, the £89 million paid for Paul Pogba in 2016.
Brighton's negotiating position is strengthened by the player's long-term contract, which runs until 2028 and includes an option for a further year's extension. Baleba's early-season form dipped following the summer speculation, but he has since regained the impressive performance levels that initially attracted top clubs.
United's Broader Midfield Search and Financial Landscape
Baleba is not the only name on United's radar. The club's midfield shortlist is extensive. Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson is understood to be a top target, though a move for the England international is more likely in the summer. Other players being monitored include Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton, Wolves' Joao Gomes, and Bournemouth's Tyler Adams, valued at around £40 million.
Furthermore, United are scouting younger talents such as Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi and Olympiacos’ Christos Mouzakitis. This wide-ranging search indicates a strategic overhaul of the engine room is a key priority for the club's recruitment team.
Financial Prudence vs. Ambitious Targets
While the ambition is clear, United's financial manoeuvrability in January is constrained. The club have worked hard to comply with Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), raising revenue and cutting the wage bill by £6.6 million through player sales and loans. High-earners like Casemiro, Harry Maguire, and Jadon Sancho are out of contract in the summer, potentially freeing up significant funds.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe's cost-cutting measures have also contributed to an operating profit of £13.3 million. Although the club are now believed to be comfortably within PSR limits, the sheer scale of a potential £115 million deal makes a January transfer for Baleba appear unlikely. The current exploration may well be about laying the groundwork for a major summer bid.
United's strategy seems to balance immediate reinforcement with long-term planning, aiming to build a competitive squad while maintaining financial sustainability in a highly regulated market.
