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Manchester United, one of the biggest football clubs in the world, were unable to sign Brighton star Carlos Baleba in the recently concluded summer transfer window. After failed attempts to get the signature of Carlos Baleba this year, it is understood that the Red Devils will keep him in their shortlist for 2026, as reported by Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano to GiveMeSport, with a potential of making a return for him next year.
Notably, Carlos Baleba, who hails from Cameroon, was signed in 2023 by Brighton on a five-year contract after paying £23 million to the French club Lille. After a reasonable start to his career in England in the first season, the 2024-25 campaign with Brighton saw the 21-year-old make 34 Premier League appearances, controlling their midfield in a central role, to help the club finish in eighth place under manager Fabian Hurzeler.
Carlos Baleba had agreed personal terms with Manchester United this summer: Reports
According to many experts, Carlos Baleba could fit perfectly in the Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-3 system in the centre of the midfield in a defensive role alongside their captain Bruno Fernandes. In the same role, the struggles of veteran Casemiro and the lack of game time for Kobbie Mainoo has been well documented, which is why Manchester United got found out in defense in a couple of their recent Premier League matches.
It is important to remember that Manchester United have reportedly agreed personal terms with Carlos Baleba about a move earlier this summer but for the transfer fee set by Brighton for their star player. In this regard, Fabrizio Romano wrote for GiveMeSport, “He’ll (Carlos Baleba) stay on Man United list for 2026, for sure, then we will see if they decide to invest big on him or not.”
Now, the Manchester United fans can only wait as to whether the club will indeed pursue Carlos Baleba next year or look elsewhere for answers in regards to central defensive midfielder.
