After 7 games in the 2025/26 Premier League season, it is quite understandable why Ruben Amorim was so adamant to sign a midfielder for Manchester United.
The Red Devils were looking for a new midfielder after signing Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig.
They were in constant talks with multiple clubs in search of a midfielder suited to Ruben Amorim’s system.
Among their top targets was a 21-year-old Cameroon international who had impressed under Brighton’s patient development model.
However, their efforts to bring Carlos Baleba to Old Trafford were thwarted by Brighton & Hove Albion.
According to The Argus, Brighton chairman Tony Bloom has revealed that Brighton told United clearly that the midfielder was not available.
The Seagulls valued him at around €120 million (£104.6 million). And, the Brighton chief told that United were unwilling to meet Baleba’s asking price.
Bloom confirmed that Manchester United left talks as soon as the Seagulls told them that Baleba was not for sale this summer.
The Brighton chairman described the midfielder as a very important player to the club’s project. He insisted that there was never a saga surrounding his name.
Bloom also stressed that others should not see Brighton as a selling club.
While he admitted that “some of our best players will be sold,” he explained that the club plan transfers carefully to maintain squad balance.
Alongside Baleba, winger Kaoru Mitoma has also been the subject of interest for many clubs across Europe.
But Bloom confirmed the commitment of the Japanes international to Brighton.
For now, both Baleba and Mitoma remaining central to Fabian Hurzeler’s plans as Brighton aim to climb the Premier League table.
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