(Credit: Imago)

Jack Heath

Wed 6 August 2025 19:42, UK

Brighton are delivering a firm reaction to Man United’s interest in signing midfield prodigy Carlos Baleba.

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The Seagulls have been quietly doing their business this summer with several incomings and outgoings.

A notable departure was that of Brazilian Joao Pedro who joined Chelsea as the forward linked up with the Blues for the FIFA Club World Cup in July.

Once a mainstay at left-back, Pervis Estupinan has also embarked for a new challenge in Italy with AC Milan, opening a spot for the arrival of Maxim De Cuyper from Club Brugge.

Owner Tony Bloom is meticulous with his transfer dealings, eyeing up exciting youth talent and strengthening his squad as the players of yesterday make way.

Joao Pedro was one of the many Brighton faces to walk out the door this summer (Credit: Imago)

One player who has come to the fore is Baleba who enjoyed a solid second season on the south coast with his dynamic performances attracting the attention of Premier League big fishes.

According to a report by The Athletic (6 August), the Red Devils have “made contact” with Brighton “via intermediaries” to “explore the conditions” of a deal for the Cameroonian.

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Yet, the south coast side have “made clear” that they want to hold on to the 21-year-old, especially considering he has three more years on his contract with the potential to extend for a further 12-months.

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The youngster won the Seagulls Young Player of the Season 2024-25

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Football Insider verdict

The Red Devils pursuit of Baleba is little surprise given the middle of the park has proved to be a troublesome position last time out.

Bruno Fernandes was tasked with trying to cover every blade of grass in the absence of any sort of pace from Christian Eriksen and Casemiro.

Both veterans were clearly not cut out for the top level, culminating in the Dane leaving on a free this summer.

The revival of Mason Mount shows promise as well as the flashes of brilliance from Manuel Ugarte who will be eager to improve in his second season in Manchester.

Man United centre-midfielders for 2025-26 seasonAgeBruno Fernandes30Casemiro33Kobbie Mainoo20Mason Mount26Manuel Ugarte24Toby Collyer21Amorim’s options ahead of the new season (Source: Sofascore)

Kobbie Mainoo looks to be staying at Old Trafford after ex-Man United scout Mick Brown told Football Insider on 3 August that Amorim changed his mind about the 20-year-old.

Regardless, there is clearly a hole in the Red Devils midfield that needs to be filled, freeing up their captain to play further forward.

Baleba offers one such option but, Brighton’s unwillingness to part with their prized possession suggests the former Sporting CP manager will have to go back to the drawing board.

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