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Ruben Amorim identifies 'perfect' Man Utd signing - Romano
Cameron Smith
- 16 Oct 2025 15:39 BST
- 4 min read
News
Ruben Amorim believes Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba would be the “perfect signing” for Manchester United.
The Red Devils were eager to finalise a deal for the Cameroon international over the summer, however they were unable to reach an agreement over a transfer fee with Brighton and the deal ultimately failed to materialise.
Current ETV
Carlos Baleba
DM, M (C)
Brighton
Carlos Baleba
DM, M (C)
Brighton
ETV Range
€50.5M - €61.7M
Fabian Hurzeler’s side set their asking price at over €115 million (£100m) for the 21-year-old and The i Paper claim that Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton has now overtaken Baleba as Man Utd’s top midfield target.
Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson is also on the Red Devils’ transfer wishlist, but football transfer news expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Baleba could be set to complete an Old Trafford switch next year.
The Cameroon star has only racked up 355 minutes from a possible 630 in the Premier League so far this season and he has already been hooked at half-time on two occasions this term. Despite this, Man Utd are still interested in signing him in 2026 as they look to land a suitable replacement for the ageing Casemiro.
Fabrizio Romano on Carlos Baleba
“Carlos Baleba was a target for Man Utd,” Romano told his YouTube channel. “There were very positive exchanges between Baleba, his agent and Man Utd. He [Baleba] wanted the move, but he didn't want to force the move. He respected Brighton, he didn't ask to go, so it was in Brighton's hands.
“At the moment, Brighton insist on their position not to sell the player in the January transfer window. For that to happen, it would have to be a crazy proposal or if the player asked to go. Even in that case, they don't want to sell him. It is going to be difficult.
“In the summer, it might be different. Amorim pushed a lot for Baleba in the summer transfer window, he saw him as a perfect target for Man United, in terms of intensity, skills, potential and knowledge of the Premier League. He was considered a perfect signing by people at the club and by the manager.
“It remains a difficult deal for January, for the summer we will see what will happen. Manchester United are looking for an important midfielder in 2026.”
Baleba has three years remaining on his current contract at Brighton, while his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) stands at €56.1m.
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