With just over two months remaining before Premier League clubs can officially announce new additions to their squads, speculation is rife among rival supporters.
For Manchester United, there is no secret about their intentions regarding midfield and Ineos’ public ambitions to convert their team into a title-contending outfit.
With Casemiro playing out his final weeks, and Manuel Ugarte edging close to a departure, a less-than-convincing transfer kitty will be tested in sealing replacements before turning attention elsewhere.
Elliot Anderson is Jason Wilcox’s primary target, but the club will face stiff competition from their Manchester rivals, who both seek the Englishman’s services.
However, Carlos Baleba has retained his long-term admirers in Carrington, and there is a growing belief that the Douala native could still make the long trip North despite his current predicament.
Manchester United remain keen admirers of Carlos Baleba
As is common knowledge, United contacted Brighton late in last summer’s window with a view to poaching one of the division’s hottest midfield prospects.
Unfortunately, the clubs were approximately £50 million apart in their valuations of Baleba, and, given the timing of conversations, were left with few opportunities for negotiations.
A partial setback did little to deter Manchester officials, though, and as we revealed in August 2025, time spent would aid in “achieving necessary legwork ahead of a move next summer.”
Although the player’s form has since deteriorated, internal dossiers tick the required criteria for United’s recruitment team, and agreement remains regarding the 22-year-old’s suitability.
Our sources advise us of a renewed belief in sealing the player’s signature this summer with a fee far closer to internal valuations.
Furthermore, with a desire to complete major transfer dealings early, allowing ample time for integration, we’re told that personal terms would present no issues, and phased payments could be accommodated with all parties.
While there is widespread debate about his lack of playing time lately, coupled with an underwhelming individual footprint, Baleba’s profile remains an ideal match for this United squad.
Age, physicality, stamina, and Premier League experience rank highly on internal wishlists, and despite falling in the pecking order under Fabian Hurzeler, Northern opinions have not diminished.
The Cameroon international continues to develop within a demanding environment; his defensive prowess and potential remain a tantalising prospect for multiple European outfits.
Remember, short-term form is not an indication of long-term success, and past experiences should provide sufficient reason for excitement about the prospect of securing a player who is yet to reach his ceiling.
It’s also worthwhile factoring in the inevitable disappointment he inherited when a move to Old Trafford failed to surface. One need only look at his output before United’s approach to gain credible insight into his worth.
| Premier League 2024/25 | Per 90 minutes | Percentile |
| Ball recoveries | 6.66 | 91 |
| Interceptions | 1.56 | 91 |
| Take on percentage success | 57.9% | 87 |
| Passes blocked | 1.22 | 84 |
| Total blocks | 1.59 | 80 |
| Aerials won | 1.32 | 79 |
When assessing midfield requirements, Michael Carrick’s squad will possess a 21-year-old prodigy and a 31-year-old Portuguese star.
That’s not disregarding the many talented options within the academy, but ready-made names will be far and few between.
Kobbie Mainoo is close to agreeing on a new long-term deal and is primed to grow into an integral cog for this squad. Bruno Fernandes needs no explanation.
Adding a defensive asset, such as Baleba, would inevitably allow Mainoo an attacking passport as United strive to replace the goals lost with Casemiro’s departure.
Carrick would inherit a savvy midfielder with experience of complex requirements, and a track record of exploiting idle space when challenging the opposition’s counterstructure.
Furthermore, his positional awareness and capability to occupy space across the field offer a remarkable snapshot into his determination and desire to impact proceedings.
Carlos Baleba 24/25 Premier League heatmap via SofaScore
Whether you feel United should break the bank for two or three marquee signings is irrelevant because finances will dictate every action. This makes negotiations challenging.
We can categorically confirm that midfield remains the priority area for strengthening, with a desire to add at least two first-team players.
Thereafter, the club will consider several options in attack and defence, with an aim of not only bolstering the starting XI but also adding depth to compete across various fronts.
It goes without saying that Champions League qualification is paramount, as is maximising the incoming funds from the sale of several first-team players.
As has been the case with multiple reports we have shared over the past two years, many are plagiarised without any form of recognition. Still, our integrity is documented.
Rasmus Hojlund will be staying in Italy, and Joshua Zirkzee is a good bet to join him. Marcus Rashford remains more likely than not to make his loan move permanent, ultimately benefiting summer dealings as a whole.
Although United retains broad desires in multiple areas, perspective must be applied when factoring in how many can be acquired in a solitary window.
In Baleba, the Stretford End may have an option to marshal midfield for a decade or more. That alone should be plenty to whet the appetite.
Would you be happy to see Carlos Baleba sign for Manchester United?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments or across our socials – photo by operations@newsimages.co.uk via depositphotos.com
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