Carlos Baleba has re-emerged as a genuine transfer target for Manchester United, with Brighton reportedly softening their previously firm asking price for the midfielder.
The Seagulls had previously placed a £100m valuation on Baleba, a figure that priced out most interested parties and effectively stalled negotiations last summer.
Brighton’s willingness to lower that asking price could now reignite a transfer race that seemed to have gone cold over the past twelve months.
Manchester United are actively looking to reshape their midfield this summer following the departure of Casemiro and an injury suffered by Manuel Ugarte.
The Red Devils have already moved to address those concerns by securing Andrey Santos from Chelsea, but further reinforcements appear to be on the agenda.
Baleba was one of the most coveted midfielders in Europe a year ago, attracting attention from several top clubs after a standout season at Brighton.
However, the Cameroonian’s trajectory has dipped somewhat since that peak period, with the 21-year-old even finding himself outside the Brighton first team at certain points this season.
Despite that dip in form and profile, there is clearly still significant belief in Baleba’s long-term potential among clubs at the highest level of the game.
According to Football Insider, United remain interested in the player and could make a renewed approach once the Santos deal is formally completed.
It remains to be seen exactly how far Brighton are willing to reduce their valuation, but any meaningful drop from £100m could bring several clubs back into serious contention.
United’s need for midfield reinforcement is pressing, and Baleba’s profile as a physical, dynamic ball-winner fits the kind of player the club has been targeting in recent windows.
The combination of Brighton’s shifting stance on price and United’s clear need in that area of the pitch makes this a transfer story that is likely to develop quickly as the summer progresses.
