TRANSFER SHOCKWAVES: BRIGHTON MOVE TO BLOCK MAN UTD AND BAYERN IN CARLOS BALEBA SAGA
Manchester United and Bayern Munich could be forced back to the drawing board in the transfer market after fresh reports shed new light on Brighton & Hove Albion’s long-term plans for highly rated midfielder Carlos Baleba.
The 21-year-old has emerged as one of the most closely monitored young midfielders in Europe, attracting sustained interest from several elite clubs. However, Brighton are understood to be increasingly determined to keep hold of the Cameroon international and have no desire to entertain offers in the near future, despite growing speculation surrounding his next move.
Baleba has endured a season of contrasting fortunes at the Amex Stadium. After arriving from Lille with a strong reputation and quickly showcasing his athleticism, composure and ball-winning ability, the midfielder has struggled at times to find consistency this campaign. Periods of reduced influence in midfield raised questions about his development, yet Brighton remain convinced that such fluctuations are a natural part of a young player’s growth.
Encouragingly for both club and player, Baleba showed signs of rediscovering his form in the weeks leading up to his departure for the Africa Cup of Nations. Those performances served as a timely reminder of his potential and reinforced why Europe’s top clubs continue to track his progress so closely.
Manchester United and Bayern Munich are believed to be leading the chase, with Manchester City also monitoring his situation. Liverpool and Chelsea have been loosely linked as well, underlining the level of admiration Baleba commands across the continent. Despite that widespread interest, Brighton have consistently insisted that he is not for sale, particularly during the January transfer window.
For much of the season, it had been assumed that Brighton might be willing to consider offers at the end of the campaign if a suitably large bid arrived. However, a report from The Times suggests that the club’s position has hardened significantly. Brighton are now said to be planning to keep Baleba until at least 2027, at which point they would reassess his situation and potentially open the door to negotiations.
That stance represents a major setback for Manchester United. New head coach Ruben Amorim is keen to reshape his midfield with younger, more dynamic profiles, and Baleba has long been viewed as an ideal fit for his system. With Brighton unwilling to engage in talks, United may now be forced to accelerate their search for alternative targets.
Names already linked with the Red Devils include Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson and Crystal Palace standout Adam Wharton. Both players are highly regarded England internationals, but securing either would likely require a substantial financial outlay, potentially pushing transfer fees into nine-figure territory. Such figures could complicate United’s summer plans as they look to balance squad rebuilding with financial sustainability.
Baleba was firmly on United’s radar during the latter stages of last summer’s transfer window. Reports at the time claimed that initial discussions were held through intermediaries and that the player was open to the idea of moving to Old Trafford. However, Brighton’s valuation quickly emerged as a significant obstacle, with the south coast club demanding a fee well beyond what United were prepared to offer.
Bayern Munich find themselves facing a similar dilemma. The Bundesliga champions are eager to refresh their midfield with younger, high-energy players capable of sustaining intensity at the top level, and Baleba fits that profile perfectly. Yet Brighton’s refusal to negotiate, combined with their long-term plans for the midfielder, means Bayern may also have to look elsewhere in the short term.
From Brighton’s perspective, the decision to retain Baleba aligns perfectly with their established recruitment and development model. The club has earned widespread praise for identifying young talent, allowing players the time and environment needed to develop, and only sanctioning sales when both sporting and financial conditions are optimal. Internally, Baleba is viewed not as a quick-profit asset, but as a cornerstone of Brighton’s long-term project.
Earlier this month, Baleba himself addressed the growing speculation surrounding his future and admitted that the attention had brought added pressure this season. Speaking candidly to Sky Sports, the midfielder reflected on the mental challenges he has faced while trying to live up to expectations following his impressive debut campaign.
“I don’t think it affected me negatively, but I had a lot of pressure on me,” Baleba explained. “When I started this season, I wanted to show the same performances as last season. Every day I try to work hard and get back to my level.”
The Cameroon international also acknowledged that he may have placed too much pressure on himself, but believes the experience will ultimately help him mature as a player.
“Did I put too much pressure on myself? Yes, I think so,” he added. “But I think it’s good for me. Now I have to get through this slightly stressful period, get back on the horse and continue working hard.”
As things stand, Brighton remain firmly in control of Baleba’s future. While interest from Europe’s biggest clubs continues to intensify, the midfielder looks set to remain at the Amex Stadium for the foreseeable future. That reality leaves Manchester United, Bayern Munich and others facing difficult decisions as they reassess their transfer strategies in light of Brighton’s uncompromising stance.
