Manchester United are pursuing a summer move for Brighton’s exciting young midfielder, Carlos Baleba, and would need to pay more than the €105 million they spent on Paul Pogba in 2016, setting up what would be a new club record
Baleba’s Background and Rise
Carlos Baleba, just 21, joined Brighton from Lille in late August 2023 on a five‑year deal for around €27 million plus up to €3 million in add‑ons and a 15 percent sell‑on clause. He quickly made his mark, debuting in a Premier League win over Bournemouth, then starting against Liverpool. He scored his first goal for the Seagulls in a League Cup tie in September 2024, followed by his first league goal a week later. In April 2025 he wowed fans with an injury‑time strike against West Ham that won Premier League Goal of the Month.
United Seek Midfield Boost, But Brighton Hold Firm
United see Baleba as the dynamic addition their midfield needs. Reports show that to even start negotiations, Manchester United must offer more than the €105 million they paid for Paul Pogba back in 2016. Brighton are currently valuing Baleba at over £115 million, roughly €130 million, and have rejected an initial player‑plus‑cash offer that reportedly included youngster Toby Collyer.
Despite the high valuation, United remain hopeful. Sources suggest Baleba wants to move and has already agreed personal terms if Brighton accept a deal. Fabrizio Romano, the well‑known transfer insider, notes that an offer larger than United’s previous club record will be needed to land him.
A Bold Statement in the Transfer Market
If completed, the Baleba deal would supplant Pogba’s €105 million move as the most expensive signing in Manchester United’s history. Pogba’s transfer had been a global, not just club, record at the time .
This summer United have already spent heavily. New arrivals include Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Šeško, with Sesko alone costing around £74 million. Yet manager Ruben Amorim still sees room for one more major midfield signing.
Brighton, wary of losing another key midfield asset just months after replacing Moisés Caicedo following a £115 million sale, are preparing for all outcomes. They are exploring replacements and giving more chances to players like Jack Hinshelwood, Matt O’Riley, Mats Wieffer, and Yasin Ayari.
