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TRANSFERS
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Man Utd give up on Carlos Baleba pursuit - David Ornstein
Tom Weber
- Updated: 15 Aug 2025 17:04 BST
- 5 min read
Breaking
Manchester United have accepted defeat in their pursuit of Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, according to talkSPORT and David Ornstein.
The Red Devils have identified the Cameroon international as their top target for the midfield position, with Ruben Amorim recognising that he needs more legs and dynamism in his engine room to balance out the attacking firepower in his side.
However, Brighton have made it clear that Baleba is not for sale this summer, and have not put a formal price tag on his head. There is a consensus among experts that it could take a fee in excess of €120 million to break the Seagulls' resolve.
Current ETV
Carlos Baleba
DM, M (C)
Brighton
Carlos Baleba
DM, M (C)
Brighton
ETV Range
€49.8M - €60.9M
Man Utd do not currently have the necessary money, having splashed north of €200 million on new recruits without raising any significant funds from sales thus far.
The Old Trafford club have maintained regular contact with the camp of Baleba, potentially with a view to convincing him to agitate for a move, but Man Utd are now ready to accept defeat.
Man Utd give up on Baleba pursuit
According to talkSPORT and David Ornstein of The Athletic, Man Utd are prepared to 'give up' on their pursuit of the 21-year-old. While they remain keen on Baleba, they are unlikely to make a formal approach to Brighton.
This could yet change before the end of the window should the Seagulls offer encouragement that there is a deal to be done, but there are no suggestions of this happening at this point.
Indeed, earlier on Friday, Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler said that he is 'very, very confident' that Baleba will stay at the Amex this summer, with the South Coast club determined to keep him for at least another year.
Brighton are confident that Baleba can become as good as Moises Caicedo this season, which they believe will put them in a strong position to force suitors into paying a Premier League-record fee for the Cameroonian in 2026.
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