(Credit: Manh Tung - Breaking Media / Imago)

Ben Palmer

Mon 18 August 2025 18:17, UK

Man United are unlikely to spend £100million on Carlos Baleba this summer and will instead return for the midfielder next year.

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That is according to football finance expert Dan Plumley, who told Football Insider exclusively that the Red Devils can afford the Brighton midfielder if they want him.

A 15th-placed finish last season necessitated investment this summer, although there were some questions over the club’s ability to spend, given co-owner Jim Ratcliffe revealed the club were struggling financially in March [MailOnline].

Despite those concerns, Ruben Amorim’s side have spent heavily this summer with Man United signing Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo for over £200m [transfermarkt].

The Portuguese manager has received a new look attack, but is still keen to add to other areas of his squad.

Man United were linked with a move for Baleba, and whilst a move looks unlikely to happen this summer, the 20-time champions of England are unlikely to give up on signing the Cameroon international.

Bryan Mbeumo was one of Man United’s big-money signings this summer.

(Credit Imago)

This article contains exclusive comment from Dan Plumley, a football finance expert and senior lecturer at Sheffield Hallam University.

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Due to Brighton’s firm stance on keeping Baleba, United have called off their pursuit of the 21-year-old this summer [BBC Sport].

But Plumley told Football Insider exclusively that doesn’t mean the young midfielder won’t end up at Old Trafford at some point in the future.

He said: “Ultimately, and we’ve said this before with other players this summer, Man United can afford him if they want him.

I think the interesting thing on the fee is if it is going to be £100m or in and around that figure, then it probably won’t happen this summer.

“That would be the other way to look at it, because that then is a significant outlay on top of what they’ve already spent this summer.

“If the fee’s gonna be that high, I think that probably means they wouldn’t look at him this summer, but if they think a deal can be done further down the line, next year seems more likely.

Yes, in the bigger picture, but £100m now, given where the window’s at, probably not.”

With a deal for Baleba seemingly off the table for this summer at least, United are likely to explore alternative options.

TalkSPORT reported that the Red Devils are admirers of Adam Wharton, who has quickly become one of the Premier League’s most sought after young talents.

Adam Wharton has interest from Man United.

(Credit: Imago)

However, Crystal Palace will do all they can to keep Wharton, Pete O’Rourke told Football Insider exclusively.

The 21-year-old is contracted to the South London side until 2029 and has had interest from several major Premier League clubs, and teams abroad.

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