Carlos Baleba plans to miss his move to Man United this summer (Photo: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Man United has had a productive summer transfer window so far, hoping to add one or two more players to Reuben Amorim’s team before the early September deadline. The new defensive midfielder is high on the agenda, with their top target being Carlos Beleva.
Man United will contact Brighton earlier this week to confirm their interests and understand possible terms of the transaction. Cameroon International is not expected to be allowed to depart above £100 million, and considering the financial constraints at Old Trafford, it will be extremely difficult to make a deal.
On Friday, Brighton manager Fabian Hazeler reiterated his confidence to keep Valeva up for at least the 2025-26 season, and his stance is now proven.
Man United moves ahead from Carlos Valleva’s pursuit
David Ornstein reports that Man United has decided to end his interest in Baleva this summer because he believes Brighton’s asking price is too high. The 21-year-old doesn’t even want to actively leave. So Old Trafford decided to look elsewhere in pursuit of signing a new defensive midfielder.
Baleba is said to be keen to join Man United, but likewise he is pleased to stay in Brighton. And aside from the changes in the coming weeks, he will do so for at least one season. This is great news for the Seagulls, who have strong ambitions to finish in European Premier League locations.
It will be interesting to see who Man United is targeting now in their efforts to add another midfielder before the transfer window closes. More importantly, after spending £200 million on Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko, they are trying to balance the book, which requires a lot of sales.