Manchester United missed out on Mateus Fernandes.
The Elliot Anderson pursuit went nowhere.
The midfield rebuild has been the story of United’s summer.
Expensive, frustrating and still not finished.
But a familiar name has returned to the top of the shortlist.
One United wanted before.
Who, crucially, has already agreed to join.
Manchester United reignite Carlos Baleba pursuit as Brighton midfielder makes personal terms agreement
According to GiveMeSport, Manchester United have placed Baleba back on their shortlist following the Fernandes snub, with senior correspondent Ben Jacobs confirming that the 22-year-old Cameroonian has agreed personal terms on a move to Old Trafford and only wants United as his next club.
That detail is significant.
When a player has already agreed terms and made his preference unambiguous, the negotiation shifts entirely onto the clubs.
Brighton are the obstacle.
However, they want close to £70 million for a midfielder who was valued at £100 million twelve months ago when United first came calling.
With internal valuations having adjusted following a slightly less impactful 2025-26 season.
Offers below £70 million are unlikely to be seriously considered.
But United’s need is clear.
Casemiro has departed, and the defensive midfield position is unoccupied.
Baleba is described internally at Old Trafford as the “new Casemiro”.
A label that captures both the excitement around his profile and the very specific role he’d be asked to fill.
However, last season he was slightly less dominant.
But Brighton know what they have, and they won’t undervalue him simply because one year dipped below the peak.
The summer has been complicated.
But the direction is becoming clearer.
And with Baleba’s own desire to join already confirmed, the hard part for Manchester United is simply finding the number that convinces Brighton to let him go.
Want to get the latest transfer news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.
