🚨 BREAKING: Carlos Baleba wants to join Manchester United and is prepared to push for a move next summer. Former United coach Ruben Amorim had already identified Baleba as a key target last summer, but Brighton were reluctant to let go of the midfield sensation at the time. If the move happens, Baleba’s energy, ball-winning ability, and progressive passing could add significant power to United’s midfield rebuild.

“Baleba to Manchester?”: Brighton Star Reportedly Tells Friends He Wants “Preferred Destination” Old Trafford Move

MANCHESTER — The “midfield war” for the summer of 2026 has officially begun. Reports emerging tonight suggest that Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba has made it clear to those close to him that he wants to join Manchester United, with the 22-year-old midfielder prepared to “push” for the move when the window opens this June.

The news comes as a massive validation for the club’s recruitment strategy. Baleba, who was the “Priority No. 1” for former manager Ruben Amorim last summer, remains at the top of the shortlist under interim boss Michael Carrick. Despite a £100 million+ price tag that stalled talks in 2025, the Cameroonian international is reportedly “more determined than ever” to cross the divide to Manchester.

1. The “Amorim Heir” in a Carrick World

While Ruben Amorim was the one who initially identified Baleba as the “next Moises Caicedo,” the interest hasn’t faded with the managerial change.

The “Perfect Foil”: Tacticians at Carrington reportedly believe Baleba is the “ideal partner” for Kobbie Mainoo. While Mainoo thrives in ball progression, Baleba’s “elite energy” and ball-winning stats are seen as the necessary shield for a defense that has struggled with injuries to Lisandro Martínez and Matthijs de Ligt.

The Carrick Seal: Michael Carrick is said to be a huge admirer of Baleba’s “progressive passing,” a key requirement for his 4-2-3-1 system.

2. Brighton’s £100m+ “Hardball” Stance

Despite the player’s desire, Brighton owner Tony Bloom is not expected to make life easy.

The Valuation: Having seen Caicedo go for £115m, the Seagulls have reportedly slapped a £100 million-plus valuation on Baleba.

The Leverage: With his contract running until 2028, Brighton are under no pressure to sell. However, insiders suggest the South Coast club has already begun scouting a successor—reportedly a “Nordsjaelland sensation” signaling they are preparing for a potential exit.

3. The “Preferred Destination”

Reports from TEAMtalk and Manchester Evening News indicate that while Chelsea, PSG, and Tottenham are all monitoring the situation, Baleba has privately labeled Old Trafford as his “preferred destination.”
The player reportedly felt “his head was turned” during the initial interest last summer, contributing to a slight dip in form, but he has since recovered to become Brighton’s most valuable asset.

4. The £230m Summer Overhaul

Baleba is just one piece of the “INEOS 2026” puzzle. To fund the pursuit of Baleba and other top targets like Elliot Anderson and Yan Diomande, United are taking a ruthless approach:

Casemiro’s Exit: The Brazilian legend is officially departing as a free agent this June, freeing up significant room on the wage bill.

The “Zirkzee Sacrifice”: As reported earlier, Joshua Zirkzee is expected to be moved on to make room for a more “clinical” strike force.

Champions League Factor: Sitting in 3rd place, United are currently on track for a financial windfall that would allow them to meet Brighton’s asking price without violating FFP regulations.

Should Manchester United pay the £100m “Brighton Tax” for Baleba, or should they look at cheaper alternatives like Adam Wharton or Hayden Hackney?