Manchester United nearly secured the services of Cameroon midfielder Carlos Baleba during the summer transfer window, and are reportedly keen to finalize the deal in January.
The former English Premier League champions have identified the defensive midfielder from a broad list of targets as they look to strengthen their midfield in the January transfer window.
The 21-year-old has adapted remarkably into the English Premier League since moving to Brighton and Hove Albion as a teenager in 2023 and has grown into one of the best young midfielders in the world.
Marmoush, Kudus and three other most valuable African footballers in the EPL
The youngster was highly impressive in the 2024-25 season, helping the Seagulls to an eighth-placed finish in the Premier League as they narrowly missed out on an European spot. In the current campaign, they are fifth on the standings following another brilliant start.
The defensive midfielder, who can also effectively function in the central midfield role, has featured in every of Brighton’s 16 games in all competitions this season, highlighting his availability and importance to the squad and will fit in perfectly into Man United’s 3-4-3 formation.
How much will Manchester United spend to bring Baleba to Old Trafford?
Per Transfermarkt, Carlos Baleba currently has a market value of about €60 million, making him the most valuable footballer at Brighton and Hove Albion and the second most valuable Cameroonian in the world, behind Manchester United’s Bryan Mbeumo.
The Seagulls reportedly rejected a player plus cash bid for the midfielder from the Red Devils last summer and are only willing to accept a bid in the region of over £100 million.
The 21-year-old also earns about £15,125 per week and £812,500 per year according to Capology, but would be expected to receive a significant increase in earnings if he makes the move to Old Trafford.
Carlos Baleba to Man United: Three reasons Cameroon midfielder would shine in EPL
Manchester United’s total investment in the young midfielder could exceed £105 million, making him one of the most expensive arrivals in the history of the club and the most expensive African transfer in history.
If both clubs reach an agreement next month, the Red Devils would secure one of the most promising young midfielders in the game on a long-term deal.
