Carlos Baleba has reportedly held private talks with Fabian Hurzeler amid the rumours linking him to Manchester United. The 21-year-old Brighton midfielder was a hot topic this summer, with the Red Devils in discussions with the Seagulls about acquiring his services. Despite being defensively inclined, the young talent shone at the AMEX Stadium last season, netting three Premier League goals from 34 appearances.
Ruben Amorim and the Manchester United board were eager to secure his services for the 2025/26 season. However, Brighton’s massive £100million price tag for the Cameroonian proved too steep for United’s taste. Consequently, Baleba stayed on the south east coast. But recent reports suggest he is unsettled at Brighton, with his half-time substitutions on three separate occasions this season fuelling speculation.
According to The Sun, United are keeping a close eye on Baleba’s situation, even though the youngster has reaffirmed his commitment to Hurzeler and his current club. That could prevent a January exit but it may not deter United from re-engaging in talks with Brighton next summer.
The decision by the United board to not bolster their midfield this summer, instead spending over £200m on a new attacking trio of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko, has left pundits and fans scratching their heads.
Some have also questioned whether Amorim’s favoured 3-4-2-1 formation is suitable for the Premier League, particularly given Bruno Fernandes’ natural inclination towards an attacking role and Casemiro’s reduced mobility at 33 years old.
Baleba, with his promising future, could be the answer to Amorim’s midfield woes, but with the January transfer window still some distance away, the Portuguese manager may need to find solutions within his current squad.
Meanwhile, United are reportedly eyeing VfB Stuttgart’s Angelo Stiller for a potential move in the New Year. The 24-year-old has been making waves in the Bundesliga this season, contributing a goal and two assists in seven appearances.
Sky Sports Germany suggest that Stuttgart will demand more than £43m for the German international, potentially making him a more affordable alternative to Baleba.