Man Utd Lead Baleba Chase: £30m Fee Drop & Liverpool, Spurs Lag Behind

Manchester United are poised to make Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba their priority signing in the summer transfer window, with the south coast club now expected to lower their initial valuation, according to sources familiar with the negotiations.

United have been tracking the 22-year-old Cameroonian international since last summer, and despite failing to secure his signature in January, remain firmly in the lead to bring him to Old Trafford. While Liverpool and Tottenham have also expressed interest, United’s consistent pursuit and Brighton’s shifting stance have created a clear path for a deal.

Brighton had previously indicated a reluctance to sell Baleba for anything less than £100 million, citing the £115 million fee Chelsea paid for Moises Caicedo in 2023 as a benchmark. However, insiders now suggest a deal could be struck for around £70 million, a significant reduction that aligns with United’s budgetary considerations.

The potential for a reduced fee comes amid a dip in Baleba’s form this season, following a stellar campaign last term. He was substituted after just 22 minutes in Brighton’s recent 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa, a move that highlighted his current struggles and potentially influenced Brighton’s willingness to negotiate a lower price. Television footage showed Baleba covering his face with his shirt as he sat on the bench.

United are preparing for a significant midfield overhaul following Casemiro’s confirmed departure at the end of the season and uncertainty surrounding the future of Manuel Ugarte. Baleba is viewed as a key component of that rebuild, offering a stylistic successor to Casemiro while providing long-term value. His arrival would complement the emergence of Kobbie Mainoo, easing pressure to overspend on multiple midfield reinforcements.

United officials first communicated their interest to Brighton and Baleba’s representatives last summer, and that commitment has not wavered. The club believes Baleba’s profile and the realistic expectation of a reduced fee position them strongly for the summer window.

Liverpool, while admirers of Baleba dating back to his time at Lille, are believed to be prioritizing a replacement for Mohamed Salah this summer, potentially diminishing their pursuit of the Brighton midfielder. Tottenham are also monitoring the situation, but their focus remains on resolving the future of Yves Bissouma and potentially securing Joao Palhinha, whose loan deal includes an option to buy.

With both Liverpool and Tottenham facing other pressing transfer concerns, Manchester United appear to have a clear run at securing Carlos Baleba, as they continue to shape their midfield for the future.