Sources: Man United will return for top target who had his 'head turned' by summer interest
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Credit: Imago/Getty
Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent
Tue 23 September 2025 16:15, UK
Manchester United are still interested in completing a deal for Carlos Baleba, sources have told Football Insider.
In the latter stages of the summer transfer window, Man United enquired about Baleba, but were told by Brighton that the midfielder was categorically not for sale.
Sources say that Ruben Amorim’s side are likely to go back in for the 21-year-old in January, and that speculation will increase again in the new year.
However, United would struggle to complete a deal during the mid-season window due to Brighton’s reluctance to sell, and would have a better chance of signing the youngster next summer.
Credit: Manh Tung/Breaking Media
Brighton value Baleba at over £100m, and it is unlikely that Man United would part with that amount of money to get a deal over the line.
Despite this, the speculation is playing into the Red Devils’ hands, with the Cameroon international suffering a poor start to the season amid claims that his head has been turned.
Fabian Hurzeler seemed to validate these suggestions after Brighton’s 2-2 draw with Tottenham, in which Baleba was subbed at half-time, saying his midfielder “might have been affected” by United’s interest (The Independent).
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The fact that the transfer rumours have unsettled the former Lille man will encourage Amorim’s side and increase their hope that they will be able to bring him to Old Trafford, either in January or next summer.
Meanwhile, Man United are reportedly planning to let Casemiro leave at the end of his contract if they can’t sell him in January.
Casemiro has been linked with a move away from Man United.
(Credit Imago)
That is according to their former chief scout Mick Brown, who claims that the 33-year-old has no future in Amorim‘s plans.
Interest from Saudi Pro League clubs could see Casemiro reunited with Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr amid suggestions he will be tempted by the money on offer.
With less than 12 months remaining on his contract at Old Trafford, United are keen to shift his wages off the bill, and will let him leave for free next summer if they cannot agree on a sale.
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