Manchester United have reportedly emerged victorious in a high-profile transfer race for one of Europe’s most sought-after midfielders, beating rivals Liverpool and Manchester City to the signing of Carlos Baleba.
The 21-year-old Cameroonian has been in sensational form this season, netting an impressive 25 goals, and is now set to become Rúben Amorim’s first January signing at Old Trafford.
The deal is expected to be finalized soon, signaling a major boost for the Red Devils’ ambitions in the Premier League.
The 20-time English champions have maintained consistent interest in Baleba, despite previous suggestions that the club may have cooled their pursuit.
Earlier in the season, Brighton & Hove Albion made it clear that they would only entertain an offer of astronomical proportions, likely exceeding £100 million, for the young midfield star.
While Baleba has had a slightly inconsistent run for the Seagulls during the 2025-26 campaign, Manchester United remain determined to bring him to Old Trafford, according to reports from Sky Sports News.
Discussions between the two clubs have reportedly focused on the conditions under which a January transfer could take place.
However, the general expectation is that Brighton are unlikely to release their star midfielder until the end of the season.
Despite this, United are closely monitoring the situation and could submit an offer if it becomes clear that the Seagulls are open to negotiation.
Baleba, who is currently away with Cameroon at the Africa Cup of Nations, has featured 19 times for Brighton so far this season.
The Red Devils’ plans extend beyond just one signing. Sources indicate that Manchester United aim to bring in two new midfielders during the 2026 transfer window.
Key first-team players, including Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo, are all linked with potential departures.
While not all four are expected to leave, it is likely that at least two of them—most notably Casemiro and Ugarte—will move on.
The addition of Baleba is seen as central to United’s strategy for refreshing the midfield and ensuring a more dynamic and goal-threatening central spine.
In addition to Baleba, United are keeping tabs on other promising Premier League talents, including Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton.
Securing Baleba alongside either Anderson or Wharton could dramatically transform United’s midfield, giving Amorim a potent mix of creativity, energy, and goal-scoring ability from deep-lying positions. Financially, however, the club faces challenges.
Baleba alone could cost upwards of £90 million, while the potential deals for Anderson or Wharton would also require significant investment, reflecting their status among the Premier League’s top central midfielders.
Overall, this transfer strategy highlights Manchester United’s ambition to rebuild a midfield capable of competing at the highest level.
By combining Baleba’s attacking prowess with the potential arrivals of Anderson or Wharton, United aim to inject both flair and structure into the team, while simultaneously preparing for the possible exits of some senior midfielders.
If successful, these moves could mark the start of a new era at Old Trafford, with Rúben Amorim gaining the tools needed to mount a serious challenge for domestic and European honors.
