Brighton Sets €120 Million Price Tag on Baleba Amid Man Utd Interest

Brighton has set an exceptionally high price tag of around €120 million (£104 million) for their young Cameroonian midfielder Carlos Baleba, making a summer transfer to Manchester United unlikely. Despite interest from top Premier League clubs like Man Utd and Man City, Brighton's management prefers to retain Baleba until at least 2026, valuing him as a potential future star comparable to Moises Caicedo. Man Utd have already bolstered their squad with significant signings, including Benjamin Sesko for £74 million, and continue to seek midfield reinforcements, with Baleba being one of the names linked. Baleba himself has expressed a focus on hard work and helping Brighton rather than seeking an early move to a bigger club, although he has not entirely closed the door on a transfer. Brighton's recent sale of Joao Pedro to Chelsea for £60 million suggests there might be some flexibility in pricing, but Brighton remains financially strong and under no pressure to sell. Overall, while dialogue between Man Utd and Brighton has occurred via intermediaries, a deal this summer appears improbable given Brighton's valuation and desire to keep Baleba.