Manchester United continues to take firm steps in rebuilding its squad. After a summer full of failed moves, the Old Trafford club is already working on planning for the next season.
And on that list of priorities appears a name that is starting to sound louder: Carlos Baleba. The young midfielder from Brighton, just 21 years old, has become a top target after the failed attempt to sign him during the last summer transfer window.
Manchester United couldn't secure his signing in August, but they haven't given up. On the contrary, they are determined to come back in 2026 with a proposal that could reach €150 million. A figure that reflects the importance the English club places on the Cameroonian, who is expected to become one of the standout central midfielders in the Premier League in the coming years.
Manchester United Prepares a €150 Million Offer for Carlos Baleba.
Carlos Baleba has been one of the revelations at Brighton since his arrival in 2022. At just 21 years old, he has shown exceptional physicality, great recovery capacity, and uncommon maturity for his age. These qualities have not gone unnoticed at Old Trafford, where they believe he would fit perfectly into the new sporting project.

Manchester United, undergoing a transitional phase with changes in the board and a coaching staff under pressure, sees in Baleba a strategic signing. The €150 million investment aims not only to secure a player for the present and future but also to send a clear message to the rest of the league: the club is willing to spend big to rise back to the top.
Brighton, on the other hand, knows they have one of their biggest gems. The coastal club has been proficient in nurturing young talents and selling them at record prices, and Baleba will be no exception. The management aims to retain him at least until the end of the season, but they are aware that the player might be ready to make the leap to a European giant.
The failed attempt last summer has been a learning experience for Manchester United. Brighton was unwilling to negotiate below the conditions they deemed suitable, and time played into the hands of Fabian Hürzeler's team, who have been able to enjoy a player becoming increasingly important in their setups. However, the midfielder's contract and the pressure from the big clubs suggest that the next year will be crucial for his future.
At Old Trafford, the bet on Baleba is not just a sporting one. The executives believe his signing could symbolize the change in direction that the fans have been demanding for a while. After years of erratic investments and results below expectations, the club is seeking a young figure to lead the new era. Baleba meets all the requirements: youth, Premier League experience, and room for improvement.
The €150 million figure also reflects the current market situation. It is increasingly challenging to find young players with proven quality, and when they do appear, prices skyrocket. Manchester United seems willing to pay that cost to secure the player before other European giants, such as Real Madrid or Bayern Munich, make a move.
For now, all signs point to the story of Carlos Baleba and Manchester United not being over. After the summer setback, the "red devils" are preparing a much more ambitious second assault. And although Brighton will try to resist, the magnitude of the offer could mark a turning point.
The next season could be crucial for both parties: Brighton could set a record sale, and Manchester United could finally acquire a central midfielder crucial to their sporting project.
This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El Manchester United prepara 150 millones por un fichaje histórico