Manchester United’s midfield rebuild appears to be approaching its final stage, with Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba emerging as the club’s preferred addition.
United strengthened the department last month by bringing in Andrey Santos from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa within a 24-hour period. However, the search for another midfielder has continued to dominate the club’s transfer plans.
Several names have been linked with the position during the summer. Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni, Bournemouth’s Alex Scott, Roma’s Manu Kone, Fulham’s Sander Berge and Bournemouth’s Tyler Adams have all been considered.
Baleba, meanwhile, was previously played down as a serious target. United had already explored a move for the Brighton midfielder 12 months ago but stepped away after discovering that his valuation was above £100m.
This time, however, United have returned with a formal offer of £60m plus a further £5m in potential add-ons. Brighton are not expected to accept that opening proposal, but discussions remain ongoing and there is growing confidence that an agreement can eventually be reached.
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How Baleba Could Complete United’s Midfield
It is still too early to judge whether United’s summer recruitment has been successful, as the new arrivals need sufficient competitive minutes before their impact can properly be assessed.
However, the club’s recruitment and data teams have clearly worked to address weaknesses in the midfield.
It was already expected that veteran midfielder Casemiro would leave when his contract expired on 30 June. Meanwhile, following Ruben Amorim’s departure, captain Bruno Fernandes has moved into a more advanced role.
United also have concerns about Manuel Ugarte, despite the £50.8m investment made in the Uruguay international. As a result, Kobbie Mainoo entered the summer as the only established midfielder likely to play a major role during the 2026-27 campaign.
Mainoo is particularly effective when receiving the ball under pressure and carrying possession forward. Santos has impressed in a deeper defensive role during pre-season, while Tielemans brings composure, passing quality and an ambition to contribute more goals.
The weekend defeat by AC Milan in Wroclaw, however, exposed another weakness: a lack of energy and mobility through midfield.
That is where Baleba could make a significant difference.
The Brighton midfielder’s greatest strengths include his ability to cover ground quickly and provide physical presence across the middle of the pitch. If United complete the transfer, he could provide the box-to-box qualities currently missing from the squad.
Baleba is currently recovering from an ankle injury suffered during pre-season and is expected to remain sidelined for another couple of weeks.
Once fit, manager Michael Carrick would have considerably more flexibility. United could also call upon Mason Mount, Scotland World Cup squad member Tyler Fletcher and, if necessary, Fernandes.
A Different Transfer Strategy at Old Trafford
The pursuit of Baleba also reflects a noticeable change in how Manchester United are approaching recruitment.
In previous years, United sometimes spent long periods pursuing individual targets without finding a resolution.
The 2022 pursuit of Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong became a prime example. Erik ten Hag remained confident a deal could be completed despite significant doubts surrounding the transfer.
United eventually abandoned their pursuit later that summer. Defeats against Brighton and Brentford contributed to the club turning their attention towards Casemiro, who eventually arrived in a £70m deal.
The approach has been more discreet this summer.
United’s interest in Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson, for example, helped divert attention from some of their other midfield priorities, even though his valuation was considered beyond the club’s reach.
The deals for Santos and Tielemans were completed quickly, taking approximately a week or less respectively.
There was also a possibility that Mason Mount could fill the role of the additional midfielder after an impressive beginning to pre-season.
However, Mount has yet to return from a foot problem suffered after his early departure against Paris St-Germain in Gothenburg on 8 August. Although that incident was described as precautionary, another injury setback inevitably raises concerns given his previous fitness problems.
Baleba had seemingly been viewed as being outside the main group of midfield targets, with Tchouameni, Scott, Kone, Berge and Adams attracting greater attention.
United’s decision to formally approach Brighton suggests the situation has changed. If negotiations progress as expected, Baleba could soon become the final major piece of the midfield rebuild.
Premier League Experience Remains Important
United’s recruitment strategy this summer also points towards a preference for players who already understand the demands of English football.
Of the four players signed in 2025, only Benjamin Sesko and goalkeeper Senne Lammens arrived from outside the Premier League.
The successful adaptation of Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha may have reinforced the belief that signing players with Premier League experience can reduce the risk involved in major transfers.
Cunha and Tielemans were available through release clauses, while Mbeumo, Santos and Baleba do not have such clauses.
There is naturally a financial premium attached to buying established Premier League players because English clubs are generally in a strong financial position.
United nevertheless appear willing to pay that premium in exchange for players who are already familiar with the league.
Carrick recently made his position clear when he said: “We want more, we need more.”
And even if Baleba arrives, United’s recruitment is unlikely to be finished.
The club still have a significant need for a new left-back, although the identity of their preferred target remains unclear.
With the midfield rebuild nearing completion, finding the right solution at left-back could be Manchester United’s next major priority before the transfer window closes.