Man Utd determined to sign Carlos Baleba as Red Devils draw up plans for big-money transfer in 2026

The Red Devils were linked with a host of players as they looked to strengthen their midfield options before the transfer window closed on September 1. Manager Ruben Amorim reportedly made Baleba his primary target but Brighton repeatedly insisted the 21-year-old was not for sale.

However United are not losing hope of signing Baleba in the future, with Fabrizio Romano reporting the Old Trafford club are planning to keep the Cameroon international on their shortlist heading into 2026. The report claims that it would take a large sum of money to prize Baleba away from Brighton, though, with other reports suggesting Fabian Hurzeler's side would want a fee equivalent to the £115 million (€132.5m/$156m) they received from Chelsea for Moises Caicedo in 2023.

Baleba has emerged as one of the most promising midfielders in the Premier League since joining Brighton from Ligue 1 outfit Lille in 2023. He has made 64 top-flight appearances so far for the Seagulls, scoring three goals. Baleba has also earned seven caps for Cameroon.

Amorim's United are next in action when they lock horns with rivals Manchester City in the derby on September 14. Meanwhile, Baleba will be expected to start when Brighton travel to high-flying Bournemouth on September 13.