Man Utd's top summer target has RUINED his chances of a big money transfer after DISASTER show

Suraj Radia

• 12 Feb 2026 20:03 GMT
• 5 min read

Analysis

Manchester United’s intentions to sign a big-money midfielder this summer is no secret and many names have emerged as contenders but the list could be shrinking with one frontrunner in particular potentially playing himself out of a move.

United are set to make further wholesale changes to their squad this summer after Ruben Amorim’s sacking, whether or not Michael Carrick gets the manager’s job full-time after an impressive start to his stint.

The midfield, in particular, is expected to be United’s biggest priority and at least two players could come in, with Casemiro confirmed to be leaving as his contract expires, while Manuel Ugarte is likely to be sold.

Having seen success in their pivot towards signing Premier League-based talent last summer through the acquisitions of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, United have turned to targets such as Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton as their ideal midfield signings in the summer.

But perhaps their most coveted target is Carlos Baleba, having seen an approach rejected for the Brighton midfielder last summer and United had been expected to renew in their interest in the 22-year-old this year.

Current ETV

Carlos Baleba

DM, M (C)

Brighton

Carlos Baleba

DM, M (C)

Brighton

€69.9M

ETV Range

€62.9M - €76.9M

View full profile

However, Baleba’s startling decline of form has led to doubts over whether he is cut out for a big transfer to Old Trafford, particularly after the Brighton star’s latest humiliation this week.

Baleba failing to prove mentality over Premier League rivals

Baleba only missed four games for Brighton in the league last season but the Cameroonian has already been absent five times this year, having often found himself out of favour with manager Fabian Hurzeler.

The Brighton boss had admitted that Baleba’s head had been turned by the speculation during the summer and the youngster has not found form since.

Alarmingly, Baleba has only completed the full 90 minutes on three occasions for Brighton this season but his worst showing came on Wednesday in the loss to Aston Villa when he was hooked after just 22 minutes.

Baleba appeared distraught, having been substituted following a booking and a challenge which could have seen him sent off and questions have to be asked over whether the midfielder is ready for a high-pressure move to United.

Wharton, meanwhile, produced a sensational assist in Crystal Palace’s 3-2 loss to Burnley, while Anderson has continued to star for strugglers Nottingham Forest and the pair could both feature for England at the 2026 World Cup.

Although United could see Baleba’s downturn in form as an opportunity to get a long-term target on a cheaper deal, they may also see the situation as an insight into the player’s mentality and whether he could handle the switch.

For Baleba, the coming months could have huge ramifications on whether he can achieve a big transfer or whether he needs another year to mature and grow in Brighton, even if it costs him his dream move to United.

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