BREAKING NEWS: Major developments have emerged in Manchester United’s pursuit of Carlos Baleba, as new information reveals the midfielder’s stance and Brighton’s shocking demands.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly preparing an enormous £100 million bid to secure the highly rated Cameroonian talent in January — but Brighton have stunned United by insisting on £100 million plus one Manchester United player in exchange.
Carlos Baleba, one of the Premier League’s fastest-rising young midfielders, has attracted interest from several top clubs across Europe.
However, reports suggest that his personal ambition is clear: he wants a move to Manchester United. This remains the case even with Bayern Munich now entering the race.
Bayern Munich have recently stepped up their monitoring of the 21-year-old, viewing him as a potential long-term successor to Leon Goretzka.
With Goretzka’s contract set to expire this summer and no renewal expected the German giants are assessing midfield options for the future.
According to reports from Sky Sports, Bayern’s scouting department has been tracking Baleba’s development closely, especially given the success the club has enjoyed with recent Premier League recruits such as Harry Kane, Michael Olise, and Luis Díaz.
Baleba’s rise since joining Brighton from Lille in 2023 has been remarkable. His powerful ball-carrying, aggressive pressing, and composure under pressure have made him one of Brighton’s most valuable assets.
His efforts were rewarded last season when he was named Brighton’s Young Player of the Year for 2024/25, firmly establishing himself as a star in Roberto De Zerbi’s squad.
Given his progress, Brighton are fully aware of the interest surrounding him and have reportedly placed a valuation of €85 million (around £74.2 million) on the midfielder.
Despite Bayern Munich’s growing interest, Baleba is said to prefer remaining in the Premier League — and specifically aims for a move to Old Trafford.
Manchester United made inquiries about him during the summer transfer window and have kept the lines of communication open ever since.
With United’s midfield undergoing restructuring under new leadership, Baleba is considered an ideal signing due to his energy, physicality, and ability to transition play from defense to attack.
If a deal finally materialises, Baleba would be reunited with his fellow Cameroonian international teammate Bryan Mbeumo, who recently joined Manchester United.
The pair are expected to represent Cameroon at the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations later this month, and a transfer to Old Trafford would strengthen their partnership both at club and country level.
As January approaches, the battle for Baleba is heating up but all signs indicate that Manchester United remain his preferred destination, even as the negotiations grow more complicated with Brighton’s bold demands.
