Manchester United have been handed a significant setback in their pursuit of Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba, with a January transfer now looking highly unlikely.
United's Interest Meets Brighton Resistance
The Red Devils have been exploring the conditions of a potential deal for the 21-year-old Cameroon international this month, having maintained a keen interest since last summer. However, according to a report from Sky Sports, discussions with the Seagulls have indicated that Brighton plan to keep hold of their prized asset until at least the summer transfer window.
Baleba, who is currently representing Cameroon at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, is under contract at the Amex Stadium until 2028, with the club holding an option to extend that deal by a further year. His performances have seen his valuation soar to an estimated £100 million.
Amorim's Midfield Search Continues
Despite heavy spending in the previous summer window, United manager Ruben Amorim is still prioritising midfield reinforcements as part of his squad rebuild. Baleba is understood to be a target, alongside players like Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson.
However, former United coach Rene Meulensteen has publicly advised the club to make Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton their top priority for the summer. "I think he should be the number one priority for United next summer," Meulensteen stated. "He's got great feet... His range of passing is second to none, and he has Premier League experience playing in the same formation that Amorim is playing."
January Expectations Tempered
Any hopes of a major signing this month appear to have been dampened by Amorim's own comments. Speaking on Friday, the Portuguese boss suggested the club's focus is not on the transfer market. "The transfer window is not going to change," Amorim said. "We have no conversations in this moment to have any change in the squad. There’s a process, there’s an idea that is going to continue."
He added that the immediate focus is on the pitch, stating: "We are near the places of the Champions League, but we are near also for like eight teams behind us, so let’s focus on the next game. Just that. Our focus is to win the next game."
This development means United's pursuit of Carlos Baleba will likely be put on hold, with the club forced to either wait until the summer or explore alternative options to bolster Amorim's midfield ranks.
