Ruben Amorim sees Brighton star Carlos Baleba as the ‘perfect’ signing for Manchester United amid their plans to recruit a new midfielder in 2026, GIVEMESPORT senior correspondent Fabrizio Romano has revealed.
The Old Trafford side held ‘positive’ talks over the Cameroon international’s arrival this summer but saw their efforts rebuffed by Brighton, who were believed to be demanding around £120m for the midfielder.
While the Seagulls remain unwilling to sell the 21-year-old mid-season, making a January move highly unlikely, United could revisit their pursuit after the campaign, with Amorim particularly keen on Baleba’s arrival.
Romano suggests the Portuguese tactician ‘pushed a lot’ to secure Baleba this summer and sees him as the ‘perfect’ signing in terms of skills, intensity and potential.
Amorim Wants Carlos Baleba at Old Trafford
Romano, speaking on his YouTube channel, revealed that Man United would have to present a ‘crazy’ offer to Brighton if they were to secure Baleba’s signature in January.
A deal to sign the midfielder remains ‘difficult’ mid-season, but United may try again after the campaign, as they plan to bring in a new player in the middle of the park in 2026:
“Carlos Baleba was a target for Manchester United. There were very positive exchanges between, Baleba, his agent and Manchester United.
“He wanted the move, but he didn’t want to force the move. He respected Brighton, he didn’t ask to go, so it was in Brighton’s hands.“At the moment, Brighton insist on their position not to sell the player in the January transfer window.
“For that to happen, it would have to be a crazy proposal or if the player asked to go. Even in that case, they don’t want to sell him. It is going to be difficult.
“In the summer, it might be different. Amorim pushed a lot for Baleba in the summer transfer window, he saw him as a perfect target for Man United, in terms of intensity, skills, potential and knowledge of the Premier League.
“He was considered a perfect signing by people at the club and by the manager.
“It remains a difficult deal for January, for the summer we will see what will happen. Manchester United are looking for an important midfielder in 2026.”
United are likely to look for a replacement for veteran midfielder Casemiro next year, with the Brazilian’s contract expiring at the end of the season.
The Red Devils’ summer business saw them spend heavily on reinforcements up front, with Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko arriving, while goalkeeper Senne Lammens replaced Andre Onana.
United sit 10th in the Premier League after seven games and next face reigning champions Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.
Amorim is still searching for his first back-to-back league wins as United boss after taking over in November last year, collecting just 37 points from his 34 games in charge.
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