Manchester United are reportedly closing in on a massive £90 million transfer for Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba, as the club’s board prepares for yet another ambitious transfer window under manager Rúben Amorim.
The move signals United’s continued commitment to rebuilding their squad and backing Amorim’s long-term vision despite a season filled with mixed results.
The Red Devils have shown steady improvement in recent weeks following a frustrating start to the 2024/25 Premier League campaign. They currently sit eighth in the league table, having picked up 10 points from their last four matches three wins and a draw.
Their latest fixture, a 2–2 draw against Nottingham Forest, was a reminder of both progress and lingering inconsistency. United led 1–0 at halftime through a well-taken goal but conceded twice shortly after the restart.
Amad Diallo’s late equalizer rescued a point and extended the team’s unbeaten streak, but the match also highlighted the need for greater control in midfield — an area Amorim is determined to address.
That lack of balance is precisely why United have renewed their interest in Carlos Baleba, one of Brighton’s brightest young talents.
The 21-year-old midfielder joined Brighton from Lille in 2023 and quickly built a reputation for his athleticism, aggression, and composure in possession. However, his performances have dipped this season, and insiders believe Brighton may now be open to selling him for the right price.
Last summer, United’s initial pursuit ended prematurely after the Seagulls demanded £100 million, but with Baleba’s form declining slightly, his valuation has reportedly dropped.
According to multiple reports, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the INEOS group have approved a £90 million offer to secure the Cameroonian’s services.
Amorim is said to view Baleba as the perfect addition to inject power, energy, and technical balance into United’s midfield — a crucial element in his high-intensity system.
Club sources claim that early talks between United and Brighton have already taken place, and negotiations are progressing positively.
The transfer, if completed, would continue United’s heavy spending trend. The club invested over £210 million in the summer, signing Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Šeško, and Bryan Mbeumo, among others.
Those additions have helped Amorim’s side rediscover attacking fluidity, but there’s still a consensus among the board that the midfield requires further strengthening to compete with the league’s elite.
Meanwhile, attention has also turned to Benjamin Šeško, whose adaptation to the Premier League has been slower than expected.
The 21-year-old Slovenian striker has managed just two goals in 11 appearances and was recently left on the bench during United’s 2–0 victory at Anfield.
Former Premier League manager Alan Pardew commented on the situation, suggesting that Šeško is “still finding his feet” in England. Pardew also noted that the absence of European football has limited the youngster’s opportunities to build rhythm and confidence.
Nonetheless, Pardew believes Amorim’s long-term vision remains clear. “He’s using this phase to refine the team’s balance,” Pardew explained. “You can tell he’s focusing on improving the midfield’s energy and helping players like Šeško grow into their roles.”
As January approaches, Amorim and Ratcliffe appear aligned on their strategy: strengthen the midfield, maintain stability, and build a side capable of mounting a genuine top-four challenge.
With Baleba at the top of their transfer wishlist, United’s intent is unmistakable — they’re not just rebuilding; they’re preparing to compete at the very top again.
Their next test comes against Tottenham Hotspur, a match that could further measure how far Amorim’s evolving team has come — and how much more quality they’ll need to get back among England’s elite.
