Manchester United shift focus to Brighton’s £100m star as Sesko talks hit roadblock

As the situation around Benjamin Sesko is moving at a snail’s pace, Manchester United have turned its attention to other priority targets. According to a report by Athletic, United have set their sight on Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, and are willing to splurge a whopping amount to bring the player on board.

The report further reveals that Rubem Amorim’s side has made an indirect contact with Brighton to explore the possibility of Baleba’s transfer. The Athletic’s David Ornstein has reported that Brighton want £90m plus 10m in add-ons to sell Baleba, but United values the player to be worth £70m, and subsequently Baleba could request his club to cut down on their demand so that he can successfully move to Old Trafford.

Will Manchester United make a bid for Carlos Baleba?

While Baleba could improve United’s attack by an exponential degree, the transfer may not take place if the Red Devils successfully crack the deal to sign Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig. Given that United have submitted a bid of €80m for Sesko, arranging identical funds for Baleba may put pressure on their pocket. However, if they manage to offload Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho, and Antony, then they may be able to put forward a bid in front of Brighton.

United are reportedly keen on getting the midfielder from Brighton and have listed Baleba as one of their main targets.

Baleba will remain under contract with Brighton till 2028 and has an option to extend the deal by 12 months. The Cameroon international joined the club in 2023 from Lille and, till now, has amassed 77 appearances for the Seagulls. As a lot apparently hangs on the Sesko deal, the coming days will bring further clarity about United’s interest in Baleba.

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Baleba had scored three Premier League goals in the 2024-25 season, and emerged as the breakout star for the club. He received his due by being adjudged as Brighton’s Young Player of the Season.