Brighton are keen to keep hold of Baleba, who is under contract until 2028 with the option of a further 12 months, and warned United it would take a fee around the £115 million ($156 million) Chelsea paid to sign Moisés Caicedo two years ago to get a deal for Baleba over the line.

Manchester United are forced to look elsewhere after their pursuit of Carlos Baleba is completely off due to Brighton's high demands.

Manchester United have decided against trying to sign Baleba this summer after learning of Brighton's 'not for sale' stance during club-to-club talks for the Cameroonian. They have gone back to the drawing board and examined alternatives, which include Jauregizar, who is likely to cost significantly less.

Carlos Baleba's Brighton future is up in the air and Man United are pushing hard to agree landmark deal very soon

We’ve identified six players that Manchester United could target as an alternative to Baleba. Manchester United were frequently linked with the Belgian powerhouse when he was at Everton. Onana ended up going to Aston Villa, while Manuel Ugarte bolstered Erik ten Hag’s midfield last summer. Penny for their thoughts on how that one worked out now.

Manchester United's interest in Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba has left former team-mates Rio Ferdinand and Roy Keane at odds on whether they should pursue a transfer

That’s why United’s interest in Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba makes sense. The 21-year-old is an all-action, front-footed midfielder who hoovers up ground for fun. Not only would he add intensity to the heart of the pitch, but his quality in and out of possession offers something United lack.

Latest Manchester United transfer news as Brighton & Hove Albion make a decision over Carlos Baleba for their Premier League game against Fulham on Saturday

Carlos Baleba remains firmly in Brighton's plans. Head coach Fabian Hürzeler stated on Friday, August 15, 2025, that the player will not be leaving the club, despite approaches from Manchester United.

Fabian Hurzeler's side concluded an unbeaten pre-season campaign against the Bundesliga club with the head coach's options bolstered

It has been well documented that the Seagulls wanted at least £100million for Baleba and, crucially, they were not willing to sell him this summer. As such, The Manchester Evening News reported on Friday that United were happy to wait until next year to sign Baleba.

Fabrizio Romano has revealed Manchester United still intend to sign Carlos Baleba despite Brighton making a deal this summer impossible, and reports have detailed the club's midfield masterplan with a new face expected to arrive over the next two weeks.