Man Utd Warned They’ll Need ‘Crazy’ Offer to Land Dream Midfield Target Carlos Baleba

Brighton Hold All the Cards in Carlos Baleba Transfer Stand-Off

Manchester United have rarely been shy when it comes to splashing the cash on the right player — and this summer is proving no different. After strengthening their forward line with the arrivals of Benjamin Šeško, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo, the Red Devils are now turning their attention to midfield. At the top of their wishlist? Brighton’s powerhouse midfielder, Carlos Baleba.

At just 21, the Cameroon international has already earned a reputation as one of the Premier League’s most dynamic young midfielders. Quick across the turf, fearless in the challenge, and blessed with the kind of stamina that allows him to run games deep into stoppage time, Baleba is the kind of player who can transform an engine room. No wonder new boss Ruben Amorim is believed to be such an admirer — word is, he sees Baleba as the “perfect” addition to his Old Trafford project.

The Early Approach: No Closed Doors, But No Easy Route

Carlos Baleba Brighton 2024-25

Initial contact has reportedly been made with Baleba’s representatives, and the encouraging news for United fans is that there were no flat refusals. As Fabrizio Romano explained to GIVEMESPORT, the Red Devils “didn’t find closed doors” when they began testing the waters.

But here’s the catch: Brighton are far from pushovers in the transfer market. In recent years they’ve developed a reputation as some of the Premier League’s toughest negotiators, only parting with their stars when they’re absolutely ready — and always on their own terms.

We’ve seen this play out before: Moisés Caicedo to Chelsea, Marc Cucurella to Manchester City, Ben White to Arsenal. In each case, Brighton held firm until the buying club either paid exactly what was demanded or walked away.

Brighton’s Position: No Pressure, No Bargain

Baleba joined the Seagulls from Lille in 2023 and quickly settled into life on the south coast. He’s under contract at the Amex Stadium until 2028, which gives Brighton all the leverage they need in negotiations. They’re under no pressure to sell, and they know exactly how valuable the midfielder could be — both on the pitch and in the transfer market.

Reports suggest that any deal this summer would require a bid in the region of £100 million ($135m) or more. To put that in perspective, that’s Declan Rice money — the kind of fee reserved for established world-class stars. For a player just entering his second Premier League season, it’s a bold valuation. But Brighton have made a habit of setting big numbers and daring clubs to meet them.

Fabrizio Romano’s Verdict: ‘Crazy’ Offer or Nothing

Romano didn’t mince his words when assessing the situation: “It means an important, very important, maybe crazy proposal is needed or Baleba is not available for sale this summer. It’s never easy to negotiate with Brighton, especially with 23 days to go. But Manchester United wanted to try. Let’s see what happens next.”

That 23-day reference matters — the Premier League transfer window is entering its final stretch, and Brighton know that late deals leave little room for replacement hunting. If United want their man, they’ll need to move fast, and they’ll likely need to table an offer so substantial that Brighton can’t ignore it.

Why Baleba Fits the United Blueprint

From a purely footballing standpoint, Baleba ticks almost every box for United’s midfield needs. Amorim’s system requires a player who can both break up opposition attacks and launch quick transitions. Baleba’s defensive awareness, combined with his ability to drive forward with the ball, makes him a tailor-made fit.

He’s also young enough to grow into the role and potentially anchor United’s midfield for the next decade. That’s part of the reason the club sees him as a “dream” signing — he’s not just a short-term fix, but a long-term investment in the team’s identity.

The Reality of Brighton Negotiations

If there’s one lesson to be learned from past dealings with Brighton, it’s that they simply don’t budge. They have a well-defined recruitment model: sign undervalued talent, develop them into top-tier players, and sell only when the timing and price are right.

And when they do sell, they tend to set records. Moisés Caicedo left for £115m, Cucurella went for over £60m, and even Ben White commanded £50m when he joined Arsenal. So United fans hoping for a bargain deal on Baleba might want to temper expectations — Brighton’s stance is unlikely to soften, even if the clock is ticking.

What Happens Next?

The next three weeks will be critical. If United decide to go all-in for Baleba, they’ll need to not only meet Brighton’s valuation but also act quickly enough to give the Seagulls a fighting chance of sourcing a replacement.

If that doesn’t happen, United may be forced to turn to alternative targets. There’s no shortage of midfield talent in Europe, but Baleba’s profile — Premier League proven, physically dominant, tactically versatile — is hard to replicate.

Final Word: Crazy or Cautious?

The Carlos Baleba chase sums up the balancing act Manchester United face in this transfer window. Go big now, and they might secure a midfield lynchpin for years to come. Play it cautious, and they risk missing out on a player who seems almost custom-built for their system.

Brighton, meanwhile, can sit back and let the drama unfold. With Baleba tied down until 2028, they have no urgency to sell and every reason to wait for the kind of “crazy” offer that turns heads in boardrooms.

For now, United have made their interest known. But whether that interest turns into a nine-figure bid — and whether Brighton will bite — remains one of the Premier League’s most intriguing subplots of the summer.