Manchester United Target Carlos Baleba as Carrick Prioritises Midfield Rebuild
Manchester United remain interested in Carlos Baleba, with reports suggesting the club is planning a midfield overhaul spearheaded by Michael Carrick. The 22-year-old Brighton midfielder is said to be open to a move, and his name has resurfaced amid renewed recruitment plans at Old Trafford.
Manchester United maintain interest in Carlos Baleba
Reports indicate Manchester United have kept Carlos Baleba on their transfer radar after monitoring his progression since arriving in the Premier League. United’s recruitment focus on central midfield has placed the Cameroonian in a list of players considered capable of strengthening the club’s engine room.
The interest is described as persistent rather than urgent, with United weighing several profiles and scenarios ahead of the summer window. Insiders note that the club’s approach will depend on valuation, squad needs and how other targets develop over the coming weeks.
United’s technical staff view Baleba as a potential long-term option who could be integrated into a midfield partnership that balances defensive solidity with forward progression. Any concrete move would likely involve extensive negotiations given Brighton’s typical transfer stance and the player’s remaining contract.
Brighton’s valuation and contractual position
Brighton signed Baleba from Lille in 2023 as part of their midfield rebuild following other departures, and his contract runs into the latter half of the decade. That contractual security has left the Seagulls in a relatively strong negotiating position, with previous reports placing a high valuation on the player.
Club sources suggest Brighton historically set premium prices for core squad members, reflecting both their on-field ambitions and financial model. However, the club has occasionally shown flexibility at the right moment, particularly if the offer aligns with their recruitment priorities and allows for adequate reinvestment.
Any summer conversation about Baleba will hinge on Brighton’s assessment of their own midfield depth and the market interest they can attract. A well-structured bid from United could prompt a reassessment, but a straightforward bargain is unlikely.
Baleba’s 2024/25 campaign and player profile
After a period of adaptation to English football, Carlos Baleba produced promising work during the 2024/25 season, contributing to Brighton’s midfield output across competitions. He recorded multiple goal contributions and featured regularly, although his role varied between starts and rotational appearances as the campaign progressed.
Technically comfortable on the ball, Baleba stands out as a left-footed central midfielder with an eye for forward passing and the capacity to drive from deep. He combines pace with physicality, which helps him recover possession and transition play quickly, traits that appeal to teams seeking dynamic central players.
Defensively, Baleba offers strong tackling and interception numbers relative to his age, while his ability to thread long passes and make late runs into attacking areas adds a different dimension. Still young at 22, he is viewed as a player with upside who could refine consistency and decision-making at a higher-profile club.
Michael Carrick’s midfield recruitment priorities
Since taking charge of first-team matters, Michael Carrick has placed significant emphasis on reshaping midfield options to give United more control and balance. The recruitment plan prioritises players who can protect the backline while also progressing the ball through tight spaces and linking with forward players.
United’s strategy appears to be flexible, with a willingness to pursue more than one midfield addition rather than concentrating the entire budget on a single marquee signing. That approach would allow Carrick to address immediate tactical needs while planning for long-term succession.
The coaching staff have reportedly compiled a shortlist of targets that fit differing tactical profiles, reflecting a desire for both defensive cover and creative mobility. Any move for Baleba would be judged against these benchmarks and the club’s broader roster architecture.
Other midfield targets linked to United
Alongside Baleba, names attached to United’s midfield interest include younger prospects and established players whose attributes vary across the central spectrum. Sources say the club is monitoring both domestic and continental options to ensure balance between immediate impact and future potential.
Some reported targets are noted for their ball-carrying and creative qualities, while others are tracked primarily for defensive stability and positional discipline. United’s recruitment team appears to be gauging market availability, competition from rival clubs, and how different signings would complement each other.
How United prioritise these targets will depend on transfer dynamics, medical and scouting evaluations, and the manager’s tactical blueprint for next season. The club’s willingness to invest across two midfield signings suggests they want depth and versatility rather than a single transformational addition.
Transfer scenarios and likely timetable
Any transfer involving Carlos Baleba is unlikely to be resolved in the opening days of the window, given Brighton’s negotiating posture and United’s broader recruitment plans. Clubs typically use the early part of the summer to set targets and structure bids, with more active negotiations developing once player sales and funding are clearer.
Possible scenarios include a straight permanent transfer, a phased payment structure, or a swap-plus-cash package if United propose creative financing to bridge valuation gaps. Brighton may prefer a clean sale only if the fee meets their valuation and permits adequate reinvestment into the squad.
From United’s perspective, patience could be an asset; allowing more time may lower the asking price or reveal alternative targets. Conversely, a decisive approach with an attractive offer might prompt Brighton to engage sooner, especially if replacement options are lined up.
Manchester United will also assess Baleba’s recent dip in form and game-time patterns, balancing potential against immediate contribution. The club’s recruitment department and coaching staff will weigh the player’s trajectory, injury history and adaptability to Old Trafford’s environment before committing.
Final paragraph
As the summer window approaches, Carlos Baleba’s name is expected to remain part of the conversation around Manchester United’s midfield rebuild, with both clubs and the player weighing timing, valuation and fit. The next phase of talks will reveal whether interest translates into a formal offer or whether United redirect resources to alternative midfield solutions.
