Manchester United’s midfield rebuild is entering its final stages, with Carlos Baleba now emerging as the club’s leading target for the final midfield position.
United completed the signings of Andrey Santos from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa within 24 hours of each other last month. Since then, however, considerable uncertainty has surrounded the search for another midfielder.
At various points, Aurelien Tchouameni, Alex Scott and Manu Kone were among the names strongly linked with United. More recently, Fulham’s Sander Berge has attracted attention, while Bournemouth’s Tyler Adams has remained on the radar.
United had previously played down suggestions that they were seriously pursuing Brighton’s Baleba. However, the midfielder has been on their recruitment team’s radar for some time.
The club explored a move for Baleba 12 months ago but walked away after learning that Brighton wanted a fee of more than £100m.
United have now returned with a formal proposal worth £60m plus a possible £5m in add-ons. That opening offer is not expected to be enough, but negotiations are continuing and there is growing expectation that an agreement can eventually be reached.
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Why Baleba Fits United’s Midfield Plans
It will take time before United can properly judge the success of their summer recruitment, as the new arrivals need to play regularly before their impact can be assessed.
Nevertheless, the club’s recruitment and data departments have clearly made progress in reshaping Michael Carrick’s midfield.
United already knew that veteran Brazilian midfielder Casemiro would depart when his contract expired on 30 June. Bruno Fernandes’ move into a more advanced position following Ruben Amorim’s departure also changed the structure of the midfield.
Meanwhile, Manuel Ugarte has not convinced despite his £50.8m transfer fee. That left Kobbie Mainoo as the only established midfielder likely to have a major role during the 2026-27 season.
Mainoo’s ability to receive possession in tight areas and carry the ball forward is one of his biggest strengths. Santos has impressed in a deeper role during pre-season, while Tielemans offers composure, range of passing and an ambition to contribute more goals.
However, United’s defeat by AC Milan in Wroclaw highlighted another issue: a shortage of energy and mobility in midfield.
That is an area where Baleba could make a significant difference.
The Brighton midfielder is particularly effective at covering large areas of the pitch quickly, providing the type of box-to-box presence United currently lack.
If the transfer is completed, Baleba could give Carrick another important option once he returns from the ankle injury he suffered during pre-season. He is expected to remain unavailable for another couple of weeks.
United would then have greater variety in midfield, with Mason Mount, Scotland World Cup squad member Tyler Fletcher and, if required, Fernandes also available.
Baleba Shows a New United Transfer Approach
The pursuit of Baleba also reflects a change in Manchester United’s transfer strategy.
In previous years, the club were often involved in lengthy negotiations for their preferred targets, sometimes without eventually completing the deals.
The 2022 pursuit of Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong was a notable example. Erik ten Hag was confident that United could sign the Dutchman, despite recruitment staff being warned that a deal was unlikely.
United eventually abandoned their pursuit in August. Defeats against Brighton and Brentford then contributed to the decision to spend £70m on Casemiro.
This summer, United’s approach has appeared considerably more discreet.
Reports surrounding England midfielder Elliot Anderson helped divert attention from some of the club’s preferred midfield targets, while United already knew that signing the Nottingham Forest player would be financially difficult.
The deals for Santos and Tielemans were completed quickly, taking roughly a week and less than a week respectively.
There was also some consideration given to using Mason Mount as the additional midfielder after his impressive start to pre-season.
However, Mount has yet to return following a foot injury suffered during the match against Paris St-Germain in Gothenburg on 8 August. Although his early departure was initially described as precautionary, his absence has inevitably renewed concerns surrounding his injury history.
Baleba had appeared to be outside the main group of midfielders being monitored, with Tchouameni, Scott, Kone, Berge and Adams attracting greater attention.
United’s decision to make an offer for him changes that situation considerably. If negotiations progress as expected, Baleba could soon become the final major addition to the midfield.
The move also suggests that recruitment decisions at Old Trafford are now being managed with greater control and clearer planning than in previous years.
Premier League Experience Remains a Priority
Another important feature of United’s recruitment strategy is their preference for players who already understand the Premier League.
Of the four players they signed in 2025, only Benjamin Sesko and goalkeeper Senne Lammens arrived from outside the English top flight.
The quick adaptation of Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha could have influenced United’s thinking this summer.
Cunha and Tielemans were available through release clauses, while Mbeumo, Santos and Baleba do not have such clauses.
Buying from Premier League clubs can be expensive because English sides are financially strong. However, United appear willing to pay a premium if they believe it reduces the risk of a new signing struggling to adapt to English football.
Carrick emphasised the club’s ambition last week, saying: “We want more, we need more.”
Baleba, therefore, is unlikely to represent the end of United’s summer business.
The club still have an urgent requirement for a new left-back, although there is currently no clear indication of who their preferred target will be.
With the midfield rebuild approaching completion, finding a solution at left-back could become Manchester United’s next major transfer priority.
