Manchester United are deploying a secret weapon in their ongoing pursuit of Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba, with new signing Bryan Mbeumo reportedly acting as an unofficial ambassador for the club.
The £100 Million Stumbling Block
The Red Devils showed serious interest in the 21-year-old Cameroonian international during the summer transfer window, but a deal failed to materialise. The primary obstacle was Brighton's staggering £100 million valuation of the player, a price that proved too steep for United at the time.
Brighton chairman Tony Bloom openly confirmed the interest, stating, "There was interest from Manchester United, and we said that he wasn't available this summer and they went away." United's transfer budget had been largely allocated to strengthening their attack, which included the acquisition of winger Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford.
Mbeumo's 'Big Brother' Role on International Duty
According to reports from The Sun, United now hold a potential ace card in their future efforts to sign Baleba. Both Baleba and Mbeumo are currently away on international duty with the Cameroon national team, where they have reportedly grown very close.
This extended time together has given Mbeumo the perfect opportunity to lay the groundwork for a future move. The 26-year-old winger has allegedly adopted a 'big brother' role, briefing his younger compatriot on what it is like to play for a club of Manchester United's immense global stature.
The ongoing international break provides another chance for Mbeumo to weave his influence, though it remains unclear whether he will ultimately encourage Baleba to stay at Brighton or push for a reunion at Old Trafford.
Cameroon's World Cup Heartbreak
The Cameroonian pair have likely been comforting each other after a devastating end to their 2025 World Cup qualifying campaign. In a crucial match against DR Congo, a 91st-minute goal from former Newcastle defender Chancel Mbemba secured a 1-0 victory for DR Congo, ending Cameroon's hopes of qualification.
Mbeumo, who has been in excellent form for United with four goals in his last four club games, played the full match. He was later pictured trudging down the tunnel alone, looking utterly dejected amidst DR Congo's celebrations. DR Congo, whose squad included former United defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka, will now face Nigeria for a place in the summer's World Cup tournament.
Meanwhile, Manchester United will return to Premier League action with a match against Everton on Monday, November 24, as their transfer strategists continue to plot a future move for one of Brighton's most prized assets.
