The January transfer window may still be months away, but Manchester United are already preparing to make a bold move. According to fresh reports, the club are readying a bid for Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba, hoping to beat rivals to his signature. The 20-year-old is said to be eager to join Rúben Amorim’s project at Old Trafford, calling it an “irresistible opportunity,” even if European football is not guaranteed.
For United, this potential transfer represents more than just another addition. It’s a statement of intent — a sign that Amorim and the club are serious about reshaping a midfield that has too often lacked consistency, balance, and dynamism.
Who Is Carlos Baleba?
Carlos Baleba, born in Douala, Cameroon, is one of the most exciting young midfielders in the Premier League. After joining Brighton from Lille in 2023, he quickly established himself as a promising talent, impressing with his tenacity, ball-winning ability, and box-to-box presence.
At just 20, he already looks like a player who thrives in the chaos of English football. Strong in the tackle, fearless in duels, and comfortable carrying the ball forward, Baleba is cut from the mould of the modern midfielder — one who can both break up play and launch attacks.
His performances for Brighton have caught the eye of several top clubs, but Manchester United appear determined to act early.
Why Amorim Wants Him
Rúben Amorim’s footballing philosophy is based on intensity, transitions, and tactical discipline. He prefers players who are not only technically capable but also relentless in pressing and fearless in high-energy battles. Baleba fits that profile perfectly.
At United, Amorim has inherited a midfield that often looks disjointed. Casemiro, once the anchor, is showing signs of age and struggles to cover ground the way he used to. Christian Eriksen offers creativity but lacks physicality, while Scott McTominay blows hot and cold. Kobbie Mainoo is a gem, but he is still developing.
Baleba could be the missing piece — someone who bridges the gap between youthful energy and tactical discipline. His ability to cover ground, win tackles, and carry the ball through midfield makes him an ideal partner for either Mainoo or Fernandes, freeing United’s creative players to focus on attack.
United’s Midfield Puzzle
For years, Manchester United have been searching for the right midfield blend. Under Ole Gunnar Solskjær, they leaned heavily on McTominay and Fred. Under Erik ten Hag, Casemiro’s arrival briefly stabilised things before his form dipped.
Amorim, however, knows that controlling the middle of the pitch is key to competing with the very best. Against teams like Manchester City, Liverpool, and Arsenal, United have often been overrun in midfield. Baleba’s arrival would inject athleticism and resilience into a department crying out for both.
Moreover, his age means United would be investing in a long-term solution rather than another short-term patch.
Why January?
Most big transfers happen in the summer, when clubs have time to negotiate and integrate players. So why is United targeting Baleba in January?
Two reasons stand out. First, competition. Reports suggest other European clubs are circling around the Brighton midfielder, and waiting until summer could allow rivals to steal a march. By moving early, United hope to secure his signature before the market heats up.
Second, urgency. Amorim knows his squad needs reinforcement now, not later. United’s push for a top-four finish, coupled with the demands of domestic and European competitions, requires greater depth in midfield. Waiting another six months could cost them dearly in results.
Baleba’s Desire to Join
Perhaps the most encouraging factor for United is Baleba’s own willingness to move. The young midfielder reportedly views joining Amorim’s project as an “irresistible opportunity,” signalling his belief in the manager’s vision.
That kind of commitment matters. Too often in recent years, United have signed players whose motivation appeared to be financial rather than footballing. In Baleba, they would be landing a hungry young talent eager to grow under Amorim’s guidance.
What Brighton Will Demand
Of course, signing Baleba will not be straightforward. Brighton are renowned for their tough negotiating stance, rarely allowing prized assets to leave cheaply. Just as they did with Moisés Caicedo, Alexis Mac Allister, and Marc Cucurella, they are likely to demand a premium price for Baleba.
United, already juggling finances under the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules, will have to be clever. But the fact they are preparing a January bid suggests a willingness to prioritise this move, even if it means reshuffling other plans.
How He Could Transform United
Imagine United’s midfield with Baleba in it. Against the league’s elite, Amorim could deploy him alongside Mainoo, creating a youthful, dynamic double pivot capable of winning duels and carrying the ball forward. Bruno Fernandes would then be freed to focus purely on creativity and attack, rather than tracking back constantly.
In games against smaller sides, Baleba’s energy could allow United to press higher and suffocate opponents, regaining possession quickly and sustaining pressure. His presence would also ease the workload on Casemiro, who can no longer play every game at the highest intensity.
In short, Baleba would not just add depth — he would reshape the way United approach matches.
The Bigger Picture
For Manchester United, this pursuit also carries symbolic weight. After years of scattergun recruitment, the club need to show they can identify young, rising talents and integrate them into a long-term project. Baleba, at 20, represents exactly the kind of forward-thinking signing fans have been calling for.
Amorim’s willingness to back such a player also signals a cultural shift. No more chasing fading stars at the end of their careers. Instead, United are targeting hungry talents who can grow with the project.
Final Thoughts
The potential signing of Carlos Baleba could be one of the most important moves of Manchester United’s recent history. More than just a new midfielder, he represents a new direction under Rúben Amorim — a shift towards youth, energy, and long-term planning.
While Brighton will drive a hard bargain, United’s intent to strike in January shows their seriousness. And with Baleba himself eager to join, the foundations are in place for a transfer that could reshape United’s midfield for years to come
