Manchester United Could Be Forced into Transfer Rethink as £120m Brighton Midfielder Carlos Baleba’s Struggles Continue
Manchester United’s plans for the upcoming transfer windows could take a sharp turn as Carlos Baleba’s continued struggles at Brighton cast doubt over his readiness for a move to Old Trafford. Once viewed as one of the most promising midfielders in the Premier League, the 20-year-old’s recent dip in form has led to growing internal debate within United’s recruitment team about whether he remains the right fit for their long-term rebuild.
United had been tracking Baleba for several months, with reports suggesting they were considering a summer 2026 move. His name had been on the club’s shortlist alongside the likes of Benfica’s João Neves, Real Sociedad’s Martín Zubimendi, and Paris Saint-Germain’s Warren Zaïre-Emery. But with Brighton now valuing the player at £120 million, and his performances failing to justify that price tag, there is a sense within United that they may need to reassess their priorities in midfield.
A Target Under the Microscope
When Baleba joined Brighton from Lille in 2023, he was seen as the natural successor to Moisés Caicedo — a robust, dynamic midfielder capable of dominating both phases of play. His first season was filled with flashes of brilliance: driving runs through midfield, crisp passing, and an ability to recover possession with intensity. However, as the 2025/26 campaign has unfolded, the Cameroonian has struggled to find consistency, often appearing off the pace in games where Brighton have been overrun in midfield.
His decision-making, especially under pressure, has come under scrutiny from analysts and supporters alike. While his physical attributes remain unquestioned, questions are being asked about his tactical awareness, composure on the ball, and ability to dictate the rhythm of matches — traits Manchester United’s recruitment team deems essential for any potential midfield signing.
United’s Midfield Conundrum
United’s interest in Baleba originally stemmed from their ongoing search for a long-term replacement for Casemiro, whose influence has waned amid injuries and age-related decline. With the Brazilian expected to move on either in January or next summer, United have been scouting a number of young, ball-winning midfielders across Europe who can complement Kobbie Mainoo’s more technical style.
Baleba fit the profile perfectly: athletic, aggressive, and with the energy to operate in both box-to-box and holding roles. However, recent scouting reports from United’s analytics and European recruitment departments have painted a less flattering picture. One source close to the club described the situation as “a pause for reflection,” suggesting that while Baleba remains admired for his potential, his current output doesn’t justify the kind of investment Brighton would demand.
Brighton’s Price Tag and the “Caicedo Effect”
Brighton’s model of buy low, develop, and sell high has become the envy of the Premier League, but it has also made negotiations with them notoriously difficult. Having sold Caicedo to Chelsea for a record £115 million in 2023, the Seagulls are under no financial pressure to sell Baleba.
Their £120 million valuation is believed to be a deliberate attempt to deter potential suitors unless an extraordinary bid arrives. For Manchester United, still operating under Financial Fair Play (FFP) constraints, that figure would represent a massive gamble — particularly given Baleba’s current struggles and the club’s ongoing attempts to reshape its wage structure and recruitment strategy under Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS.
As one insider put it: “Brighton will always drive a hard bargain, and right now, Baleba isn’t playing at the level where you could justify spending nine figures. United can’t afford another expensive experiment.”
Performance Concerns
Baleba’s performances this season have mirrored Brighton’s broader inconsistency under Roberto De Zerbi. While the team continues to play expansive football, the midfield has at times looked exposed, especially against higher-pressing sides.
Baleba’s statistical drop-off tells the story: fewer successful tackles, more misplaced passes, and a worrying tendency to lose duels in dangerous areas. He has also been substituted early in several matches this term, with De Zerbi occasionally preferring the experienced Billy Gilmour or the versatile Pascal Groß in central roles.
Observers have noted that Baleba’s natural instincts to drive forward sometimes leave his defence vulnerable — a flaw that could prove costly in a Manchester United side already struggling with defensive structure and transition control.
United’s Alternative Options
If United ultimately abandon their pursuit of Baleba, several alternative names are expected to be considered. Benfica’s João Neves remains a favourite within the club’s data department, though his release clause stands at around £105 million. Meanwhile, Real Sociedad’s Martín Zubimendi offers tactical discipline and experience at a more manageable price point.
There is also growing admiration for Valencia’s Javi Guerra, whose blend of tenacity and technical precision has drawn comparisons to a young Frenkie de Jong — a long-term United target. The club’s scouting presence in France has also led them to monitor Képhren Thuram and Lesley Ugochukwu, both of whom could be available at more realistic fees than Baleba.
INEOS are believed to be favouring a data-driven recruitment model, balancing raw potential with reliability and mental resilience — areas where Baleba has yet to fully convince.
Baleba’s Side of the Story
For Baleba himself, the scrutiny is nothing new. Having made the leap from Ligue 1 to the Premier League as a teenager, the Cameroonian has shown flashes of world-class potential. Those close to him insist that he remains committed to improving and that his current struggles are part of the natural learning curve for a player adjusting to a demanding league and a possession-heavy tactical system.
His representatives have reportedly dismissed suggestions that he is unsettled at Brighton, reiterating that his focus remains on development rather than a transfer. Nonetheless, as interest from big clubs like Manchester United, Liverpool, and Bayern Munich has cooled, there is an awareness that Baleba must recapture his early form if he hopes to secure a big move in the future.
United’s Recruitment Philosophy Under INEOS
Since Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s arrival, Manchester United’s transfer approach has shifted toward sustainability and intelligence. Gone are the days of marquee signings made for marketing appeal. Instead, the club is prioritising younger players who can grow into elite performers within a well-defined tactical system.
Under sporting director Dan Ashworth, United are determined not to overpay for players whose performances do not align with their potential or market value. The caution surrounding Baleba’s situation reflects that evolving philosophy — a desire to avoid the mistakes of past regimes, where emotional or reactive spending often backfired.
Conclusion
Manchester United’s interest in Carlos Baleba once symbolised their intent to rebuild the midfield around youth, athleticism, and long-term planning. But as the Brighton starlet’s performances continue to falter, that vision may now be under review.
At £120 million, Baleba represents both promise and risk — and in an era where United are striving for efficiency and accountability, that risk might simply be too great. Unless the midfielder rediscovers the form that once made him one of Europe’s most exciting prospects, the Red Devils could soon turn their attention elsewhere.
For now, Baleba’s story serves as a reminder of the fine margins that define football recruitment at the elite level: talent alone isn’t enough; timing, consistency, and adaptability matter just as much. And for Manchester United, those lessons may be shaping yet another chapter in their ongoing rebuild.
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