Manchester United push for Carlos Baleba as Brighton demand €120m

In recent years, Brighton & Hove Albion have carved out a special place in the Premier League’s transfer dynamics. The club has consistently sold midfielders for high fees. The latest player to fit that profile is 21-year-old Cameroonian midfielder Carlos Baleba. ESPN reports that Brighton are demanding €120 million (£104 million) from clubs interested in Baleba. This figure is high enough to make even Europe’s elite clubs cautious. Moreover, Lille’s 20% sell-on clause partly explains why the price has been set at this level.

From Cameroon to Europe

Baleba’s football journey began with Brasseries in Cameroon. His talent there earned him a move to Europe at a young age. His first stop was the reserve side of Ligue 1 club Lille. He quickly proved himself, catching the eye with his physical endurance, vision and work rate in midfield. Within just one season, he earned promotion to the first team.

First steps at Lille

Baleba made a total of 23 competitive appearances for Lille. While he failed to score, he provided two assists. Even this 23-game spell was enough to attract the attention of a club like Brighton, renowned for scouting young talent. His dynamism, ball-winning ability and forward-thinking style showed that he had the profile to cope with the tempo of the Premier League.

Move to Brighton and rise in value

In the summer of 2023, Brighton paid €27 million for Baleba’s transfer – a significant investment for the club. The management foresaw that the Cameroonian could quadruple his value within a few seasons. His consistent performances for Brighton have so far justified that prediction. He has become one of the team’s key players, and his market value has already increased more than fourfold.

Brighton’s business model and example transfers

The 2023 summer transfer of Moisés Caicedo to Chelsea for £115 million remains the clearest example of Brighton’s determination to sell midfielders for huge sums. Baleba looks set to become the latest link in this chain. Brighton are one of the Premier League’s most capable clubs at discovering and developing young players. Their scouting network covers a wide geography from South America to Africa. Another recent example of this model is Brazilian striker João Pedro. Signed from Watford in 2023 for around £40 million, Pedro impressed in a Brighton shirt before being sold to Chelsea for a high fee.

De Zerbi and Hürzeler eras

In his early days at Brighton, Baleba worked in harmony with head coach Roberto De Zerbi. The Italian played a major role in improving his positional discipline and passing timing. After De Zerbi’s departure, Fabian Hürzeler took charge. The young German coach introduced new tactical nuances to his game, particularly in building play from the back and making the right decisions under pressure. Under Hürzeler, Baleba has continued to be one of the team’s most important players.

2024/25 season performance

In the 2024/25 season, Baleba made 40 appearances in all competitions for Brighton, contributing four goals and two assists. These numbers show that he stands out not only for his defensive qualities but also for his support in attack. His forward runs from central midfield into the box have made him a key part of Brighton’s attacking structure.

International experience

Baleba has earned four caps for the Cameroon senior national team. While he has yet to register a goal or assist, he figures in the national team’s long-term plans. His physical power and tactical discipline make him valuable on the international stage as well.

Manchester United interest and Ornstein’s statement

Manchester United are determined to strengthen their midfield this summer, with Baleba at the top of the list. David Ornstein of The Athletic shared the following on social media:

“Manchester United have approached Brighton via intermediaries to discuss terms for Carlos Baleba. #BHAFC do not plan to sell this summer and all parties are aware a move may not be realistic. However, #MUFC are interested and will find out in the coming days if it could be possible.”

This statement shows the interest goes beyond mere speculation, with concrete contact already made. Brighton’s reluctance to sell suggests that negotiations will be challenging.

Baleba’s role in Amorim’s system

Ruben Amorim employs a 3-4-2-1 system at Manchester United, as he did at Sporting. In this setup, the double pivot midfielders are responsible for both defensive solidity and managing attacking transitions. In Amorim’s philosophy, the central pair act as both the “balance point” and the “engine” of the team.

Baleba could operate as either the right or left pivot in this scheme. Predominantly left-footed but comfortable with his right, he is unpredictable in passing and dribbling. In attacking transitions, he can quickly drive the ball forward with his left, but when opponents block that side, he can play out of pressure with passes using his right. His ability in Brighton’s build-up play and tight-space combinations makes him a valuable asset.

Defensively, he has improved notably under Hürzeler. His ability to cover space, cut passing lanes and balance the back line suits Amorim’s high defensive line. His athleticism, which allows him to cover large areas quickly, could be a major advantage in high-tempo Premier League matches.

His ball-carrying and press-resistance are also notable. Baleba can dribble out from the back to launch attacks. His composure under pressure, ability to change direction with his first touch, and knack for breaking lines could be vital in United’s quick transitions and when settling in the opponent’s half.

His technical skills and passing ability align with Amorim’s midfield preferences. He has the potential to maintain a high completion rate over medium and long distances, switch the play effectively, and deliver the right passes to attacking players at the right time.

In this context, Baleba could offer the following to Amorim’s United:

• Two-footed play – Ability to vary passing angles and solve pressure situations.

• Press-breaking dribbles – Capacity to beat opposition pressure and initiate attacks alone.

• Technical quality – Accurate passing and vision to unlock defences.

• Improved spatial defence – Tactical discipline gained under Hürzeler.

• Relentless work rate – High-intensity presence in both defence and attack.

Can Manchester United sign Carlos Baleba?

The United board are exploring ways to lower Brighton’s €120 million demand. Financial Fair Play limits reduce their room for manoeuvre, but income from selling unwanted players could be decisive. If Brighton’s reluctance to sell remains, a deal this summer will be difficult. While difficult, the door remains slightly open.