BREAKING!!!: Manchester United have ‘just made an offer’ for £62m midfielder, talks held with reps United have opened talks with the representatives of £62m midfielder midfielder over a summer transfer, according to reports.

TRANSFER EXCLUSIVE: United Open Talks with Carlos Baleba’s Reps The £62M Midfield Reset

Manchester United has officially initiated contact with the representatives of Brighton & Hove Albion star Carlos Baleba. After a year of “scouting and stalling,” the INEOS-led recruitment team is finally moving to secure the 22-year-old as the primary successor to Casemiro.

1. The Valuation: From £120M to £62M?

The reason for the sudden “Breaking” status of this story is the massive drop in Brighton’s asking price.

The Background: Last summer (2025), Brighton reportedly quoted United a “don’t-touch” price of £115M–£120M.

The New Reality: Due to Brighton’s current struggle for European football and Baleba’s own desire for a move, reports from TEAMtalk and OneFootball suggest the Seagulls have “softened” their stance. United is reportedly preparing an opening bid in the region of £60M–£62M (€72M).

The Competition: United is moving fast because Bayern Munich and Liverpool have also held “tentative enquiries” with the player’s camp in the last 48 hours.

2. “Talks Held”: What Was Discussed?

United’s representatives reportedly met with Baleba’s agents (The Talent Table) last month to lay the groundwork.

Personal Terms: Sources indicate that agreeing on personal terms will not be an issue. Baleba is said to be “enchanted” by the prospect of playing under Michael Carrick and views the move to Old Trafford as his “dream step.”

The “Mainoo Partnership”: United’s pitch centers on pairing Baleba’s defensive physicality with Kobbie Mainoo’s technical progression, creating a “long-term engine room” that could last a decade.

3. The “Victor Osimhen” Confusion

Some social media reports have used the £62M figure to link United with Victor Osimhen again.

The Fact-Check: While Osimhen’s release clause at Napoli is roughly £62M (€75M), United is currently prioritizing their midfield. With Benjamin Šeško and Matheus Cunha performing brilliantly under Carrick, a move for another striker is currently on the back burner.

4. The “Midfield Revamp” Context

United isn’t just stopping at one. The talks with Baleba are part of a wider three-man shortlist that includes:

Carlos Baleba (£62M): The defensive specialist.

Adam Wharton (£55M): The ball-playing controller from Crystal Palace.

Elliot Anderson (£45M): The versatile creator from Nottingham Forest.

THE VERDICT

The talks are real, and the move is “edging closer.” For the first time, United and Brighton are finally speaking the same financial language. If Michael Carrick secures Champions League football in the next few weeks, expect this deal to be the first one over the line in June.