Chelsea has been advised to sabotage Manchester United’s prospective acquisition of Carlos Baleba, a midfielder for Brighton & Hove Albion. During the summer transfer window, the Cameroon international was named as Ruben Amorim’s ideal midfield addition, and Manchester United made many formal approaches to try to land him.
Despite their inability to qualify for Europe, it is believed that Baleba was open to finalising a move to Old Trafford. However, Brighton refused to approve a transaction for less than €115 million (£100 million), and the trade eventually fell through.
Next season, Manchester United is anticipated to renew its interest, although in an effort to increase Amorim’s midfield options, the Red Devils are also keeping an eye on England players Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton. Former Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor has urged Chelsea to recruit another Brighton talent next year, as Baleba may be on the market in 2026.
Chelsea told to sign £115m Premier League star
Chelsea already has a lot of players in the middle of the park, but planning for the future is challenging because of the team’s reputation for having a high player turnover rate. The Blues spent approximately £280 million on Caicedo, Fernandez, and Lavia.
In contrast, Brighton is renowned for its capacity to identify and nurture young talent before selling them for hefty prices. The Seagulls are rumoured to require at least £115 million to approve any departure after spending £23 million to acquire Baleba from Lille in 2023.
Ahead of Brighton’s victory over Newcastle United on Saturday night, Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler sent a harsh message to Baleba, who has had a rough start to the 2025–26 season after rumours of a summer transfer to Manchester United surfaced.
If the Blues decide to pursue Carlos Baleba, they might be able to repeat their habit of shopping at Premier League opponent Brighton. Despite not playing 90 minutes in the top league this season, the 21-year-old is reportedly dissatisfied on the south coast.
