Brighton have reportedly set a staggering asking price for Manchester United target Carlos Baleba.
The Red Devils are said to have made contact with the Seagulls to explore the conditions of a deal for midfielder this summer, though an agreement appears difficult.
The 21-year-old enjoyed an impressive campaign in 2024-25 for Brighton, featuring 34 times in the Premier League and scoring three goals for Fabian Hurzeler’s side.
United are closing in on their third major addition of the summer with RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, having tabled a £74million bid this week, with personal terms already agreed between player and club.
This move would shoot Ruben Amorim’s summer spending past the £200m mark, with Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Diego Leon already joining for a combined £134.5m.
Now, Ruben Amorim’s summer spending could exceed the £300m mark if they move for Baleba.
Brighton have reportedly valued midfielder Carlos Baleba at a staggering €120million (£104m)
United are said to have made contact with the Seagulls to a deal for Baleba this summer
This move would shoot Ruben Amorim ‘s summer spending past the £300m mark, with Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Diego Leon already joining, and Benjamin Sesko close
The Cameroon international is valued at a whopping €120m (£104m) by Brighton, according to ESPN.
The Athletic reports that a move for the youngster is ‘improbable’ unless United are able to secure a series of lucrative sales before the window closes at the start of next month.
Baleba has three years remaining on his contract with an option to extend for a further 12 months at the Amex, and is believed to be happy to stay on the south coast of England.
Despite Amorim moving quickly to solve his side’s attacking woes from last season, there is still a desire to improve their midfield ranks.
United currently have Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte, and Toby Collyer in their ranks, while Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo can also be deployed in the central midfielder positions in Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-3 formation.
Baleba rose through local sides Futur Soccer FC and the Ecole de Football des Brasseries du Cameroun academy centre before catching the eye of European scouts.
He joined Lille in January 2022, initially featuring for the reserve side before making his professional debut in Ligue 1 in August that year.
In August 2023, Brighton & Hove Albion signed him on a five-year deal for around £25m. He has since made 61 Premier League appearances and was voted Brighton’s Player of the Season in 2024-25.
