Manchester United continue to build a squad capable of challenging for major trophies again. After finishing third in the 2025-26 Premier League season, the Manchester giants are looking to take another step forward and have identified their next major target: Carlos Baleba.
Carlos Baleba, the Missing Piece for Carrick's Manchester United
Manchester United are preparing a new offer for Carlos Baleba, whose arrival could provide Michael Carrick with the midfield reinforcement needed to take the team to another level.
The Cameroonian midfielder, currently playing for Brighton & Hove Albion, is increasingly close to becoming a new Manchester United player. According to Fabrizio Romano, the club are preparing an improved offer after their initial proposal failed to secure an agreement.
According to David Ornstein, Manchester United have already submitted a bid worth €70 million in guaranteed payments plus €6 million in add-ons. However, there is still no final agreement between the two clubs.
The negotiations could move quickly because Baleba has reportedly been pushing for the transfer for some time. The midfielder has been keen on a move to Manchester United since last summer, when the English club first expressed serious interest in signing him.
Personal terms between the player and Manchester United are reportedly already agreed, meaning the remaining obstacle is an agreement with Brighton, who refused to negotiate over the midfielder last year.
The situation now appears different. Manchester United are willing to improve their offer and believe a deal could be reached in the coming days.
Baleba's arrival would be particularly important for Michael Carrick, who has relied on a 4-2-3-1 formation during his time in charge. The system has allowed Bruno Fernandes to operate in a more advanced position while giving Kobbie Mainoo a greater role in midfield.
The club have also signed Youri Tielemans during the summer transfer window, but Baleba would provide even more physicality, ball-winning ability and defensive energy in the center of the pitch.
The midfielder made 35 appearances for Brighton last season. Although that was five fewer than the previous campaign, his numbers underline his importance to the English side and his ability to remain available throughout most of the season.
Baleba has established himself as one of the most intriguing midfielders in the Premier League, and his potential move would represent another major investment by Manchester United.
The deal is not yet complete, but negotiations are progressing. If Brighton accept the improved proposal, Carlos Baleba could become one of the central pieces of Michael Carrick's new project at Old Trafford.
