Carlos Baleba has just done Man Utd a favour for next summer, but transfer now comes with big risk

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Manchester United transfer target Carlos Baleba was involved in an unhappy World Cup qualifier for Cameroon.

Cameroon needed to win an elimination semi-final and final to clinch a place at World Cup 2026, after finishing second in their group.

They did not even reach the knockout final against Nigeria, after losing their semi-final to DR Congo 1-0 after a last minute goal.

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Repercussions of Cameroon exit

Cameroon’s defeat means Bryan Mbeumo will not be going to World Cup 2026. This is a major personal blow for the player, but a potential boost for Manchester United as it keeps him fresh for the following season.

Cameroon’s failure to qualify is mixed news when it comes to Andre Onana. The tournament was a chance for the goalkeeper to put himself in the shop window and generate extra interest. But his absence could end up speeding up his exit.

And then there is Carlos Baleba, who started in midfield in the Cameroon defeat.

Manchester United wanted to sign Baleba this past summer, only to be priced out by Brighton seeking a staggering fee.

Baleba going to the World Cup and having a stormer would be bad news for United if a deal was not done beforehand, hiking up his price tag.

So with Cameroon failing to qualify, Baleba has actually helped United’s pursuit.

However, a deal clearly comes with a risk. Baleba continued his poor stretch of form, substituted at half-time against DR Congo after getting booked.

Carlos Baleba has struggled in 2025/26

Carlos Baleba’s slide in form has been alarming this season. He has struggled to keep his place in the Brighton team.

Baleba has frequently been substituted early, and is averaging only 58.6 minutes per game in the Premier League this season.

And even in less game time, Baleba has almost tied his yellow card tally from the whole of last season.

Baleba has shown nothing this season to show that he is worthy of the fee Brighton were demanding for him in the summer.

The second half of the season is crucial for the midfielder, but if interest remains, United do not have to worry about his price being hiked up by the World Cup.

Clearly he is still trying to work his way through his poor form, and a deal would come with a huge element of risk.

For the money involved, there may be better options available.