Manchester United have reportedly made an important step in their pursuit of Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba by establishing contact with his representatives.
According to sources familiar with the situation, the Red Devils have shown serious interest in signing the 20-year-old Cameroonian star this summer, and discussions with his camp have already taken place.
Baleba is regarded as a key transfer target for manager Erik ten Hag, who is eager to strengthen his midfield options before the new Premier League season kicks off.
Initial talks have gone well, with both parties aligned on personal terms.
There appear to be no major hurdles in that regard, allowing United to shift their focus to the more complex task — negotiating with Brighton.
Brighton, however, are standing firm in their valuation. The south coast club has reportedly set a staggering £104 million price tag on Baleba, making negotiations anything but straightforward.
Known for their tough stance in transfer dealings, Brighton are not eager to lose one of their brightest young talents and have every reason to demand a premium. Baleba is under a long-term contract and has become a core part of their setup.
It’s unclear at this stage whether Manchester United are prepared to meet the full asking price, but one possible solution could involve a structured deal.
United may look to propose an offer based on instalments or performance-related add-ons to reach an agreement that suits both sides.
While a straight cash deal at that valuation may be off the table, a creative financial package could prove more successful.
Despite the financial roadblocks, United are not backing down. Baleba is seen as a key piece in the ongoing summer rebuild that has already seen the arrivals of striker Benjamin Šeško, defender Jarrad Branthwaite, and wing-back Jeremie Frimpong.
The addition of Baleba would signal Manchester United’s clear focus on building for the future by investing in young, high-potential players.
Baleba’s profile makes him an ideal candidate for Ten Hag’s system. Calm under pressure, positionally intelligent, and capable of carrying the ball from deep, he brings qualities that United’s midfield has lacked.
His rise in the Premier League has caught the eye of several clubs, but United appear to be leading the chase — provided they can find common ground with Brighton.
This transfer saga is emblematic of Brighton’s strategy — set a high value on their stars and only sell on their terms.
While £104 million is a lofty figure for a player with limited top-flight experience, Baleba’s ceiling and long-term value make him a tempting target for United, especially as the club looks to return to the top of English football with a younger, more dynamic core.
