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Carlos Baleba could have ended up at Manchester United, but then the summer unfolded as it did.
United were keen, ready to make their move. Baleba offered the athleticism Ruben Amorim craved in his midfield engine room.
However, Brighton & Hove Albion stood firm. The Seagulls refused to part ways with the 21-year-old, whom Louis Saha has likened to a young Michael Carrick, possessing both power and the legs to cover serious ground.
They slapped a “not for sale” tag on the Cameroonian international. INEOS, sensing resistance, cooled their interest with hopes of reigniting talks in 2026, when Brighton might be more open to negotiations.
Yet the failed transfer appears to have taken its toll. Baleba has not hit the same heights this season.
Last term, Flashscore rated him at 7.1. This campaign, he is down to 6.6.
Baleba swoop-backed
Despite his sluggish start, transfer guru David Ornstein remains convinced Baleba is tailor-made for United.
Speaking to Planet Football, Ornstein was asked to name one signing he would like each Premier League club to make. When it came to United, he did not hesitate:
“Carlos Baleba, because they want him, he wants them, Brighton don’t want to let him go, but we’ll see what the future holds.”
@planetfutebolDavid Ornstein reveals who each Premier League big six side should sign! @Pro Am Padel Tour #futebol #footballtiktok #premierleague #transfers♬ original sound – Planet Football
Baleba not the only midfield name on United’s radar
Unfortunately, the failed swoop has dented Baleba’s momentum. However, he must quickly rediscover his form.
Apart from him, United are already being linked with fine midfielders. Elliot Anderson, Conor Gallagher, Joao Gomes, Angelo Stiller, and Adam Wharton are all reportedly on the club’s radar.
Baleba now faces a challenge: prove his worth or risk United pivoting to alternative targets. One thing is sure: INEOS are planning a midfield revamp in 2026.
While Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes have brought some stability to the centre of the park, United could be better.
Amorim demands mobility in midfield, and he will only get it if United secure the young, athletic profiles he is after.
Featured image Mike Hewitt via Getty Images
The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
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