Manchester United were heavily linked with Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba last summer but Ineos ultimately decided to wait.
The final few weeks of the 2025 summer transfer window saw Manchester United scour the market for central midfield options and Carlos Baleba appeared to be at the top of the list.
But Brighton wanted £100m for Baleba, which was enough to put United off of a deal.
Baleba has struggled this season, and he has admitted that he was impacted by the transfer rumours. But more recently, Baleba impressed against Chelsea, and it seems United’s interest in the 22-year-old midfielder is very much still alive.
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Man United’s budget for Carlos Baleba transfer
United are confident that Baleba is a perfect Kobbie Mainoo partner, so Ineos could yet return to Brighton and test their resolve with a bid.
But according to Laurie Whitwell at The Athletic, United believe a fee of £50 million is now a “realistic” budget for Baleba.
It is added that, last summer, United would have paid up to £75 million to secure Baleba’s signature.
It proves that Baleba’s stocks have dropped over the 2025/26 campaign, likely due to his performances but also because his contract has ticked down another year.
United have as many as 24 midfield targets ahead of 2026, so Ineos have not put all their focus on Baleba. It sends a strong message to Brighton that Ineos have a set price and will look elsewhere if it is not met.
Under the ownership of the Glazers, United were often stubbornly held to inflated asking prices because the Red Devils narrowed their transfer search to just a few targets. For example, the fees paid for Antony and Jadon Sancho were extortionate because they were the only targets on United’s radar.
That won’t happen under Ineos ruling, and their Baleba stance proves it.
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Carlos Baleba’s contract situation at Brighton
United target Baleba is contracted to Brighton until 2028, so Brighton’s negotiating position will continue to weaken the longer this transfer saga rumbles on.
Baleba is currently earning £650,000 per year at Brighton, so United would also be able to tempt the player with a huge pay rise at Old Trafford.
READ MORE: Not just Carlos Baleba, Man Utd should also test Brighton resolve for another transfer this summer
This could be Brighton’s best chance to cash in on Baleba, but United are under no pressure to go above their £50 million budget.
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