Manchester United continue their search for a new midfielder in the summer and now a new report claims that they are about to make a bid of £50 million.
Michael Carrick has done a brilliant job since he was appointed interim manager at Manchester United, yet the manager’s job is not quite up to scratch for next season.
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Manchester United are now considering making a £50m bid for Carlos Baleba. The Brighton midfielder has been linked with a move to Old Trafford for almost a whole year.
It was understood that Ruben Amorim was very interested in the Cameroonian midfielder, but after the club had already spent over £200 million on Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko, the club decided to put their interest on hold. Now the situation is different. Casemiro will leave the club at the end of the season, and Manuel Ugarte is struggling to convince. Therefore, United could be about to breathe new life into their pursuit of Baleba.
It is believed that the Reds “broadly agreed on personal terms” with the 22-year-old when they first showed interest in him. With that in mind, they can test Brighton’s determination with a £50 million bid.
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Rarely a full match – but important for Cameroon
Baleba has been substituted a whopping 15 times this season by Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler. He has only played the entire game on three occasions this season, including the recent 3-0 win at home to Chelsea on Tuesday.
United have also followed him closely in this year’s Africa Cup of Nations, where he got five games. He was an important player for Cameroon, who reached the quarter-finals before losing 2-0 to host nation Morocco.
The price could be a brake
One thing that could be difficult for United is the price tag. When the Reds first showed interest in him, Brighton made it crystal clear that they want £100 million – the equivalent of the transfer fee Chelsea paid for Moises Caicedo in the summer of 2023.
In the summer, it was reported that United were willing to go as high as £75 million to bring him to Old Trafford. Now it is believed that the club will not go much higher than £50 million – something that is unlikely to be well received by the Seagulls.
More options on the block
The Reds have also been linked with Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson and Newcastle duo Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes. One thing is certain: None of them will be sold cheaply.
United are also believed to be on the hunt for two central midfielders to fill the void left by Casemiro. They could also need a third if Ugarte leaves the club – the Uruguayan has recently been linked with both Juventus and Ajax.
Who sits on the bench?
The negotiations may also depend on who sits in the dugout at Old Trafford when the season is over. Michael Carrick has dragged the Reds from 7th to 3rd place since taking over, and United are among the best teams in 2026.
Nevertheless, the club has not decided if he is the right man for the job. The decision will be made when the season is over.
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