Reports say Manchester United has already been hit “big” as they consider whether to sign Carlos Valleva from Brighton in January.
Man Utd has been working as one of Europe’s biggest spending clubs in the transfer window this summer, investing around £230 million to sign Senne Lammens, Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha.
The Red Devils also approved and raised funds among the well-known departures of Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Hoilund and Antony.
Nevertheless, Man UTD failed to sign a new centre midfielder after discovering that the big money moves of top target Baleba were ineffective in the summer.
Reports show that Brighton wanted about £100 million for his respected assets in the summer, and Man UTD failed to match this price after overhauling the attack at the start of the window.
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This means that center midfield remains a weakness for Reuben Amorim’s team, but “expects to come back” to Valeva in the coming months.
Winter windows are the earliest opportunity for Man Utd to land Baleba, but football insiders explain why it’s pretty low that “they might sign him in January.”
The report also shows that Man UTD’s next step on Baleba is unlikely to be a “huge” January deal.
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The report explains:
“Sources say the Seagulls are likely to slap Baleva at the huge price tag.
“Even though there’s little chance of closing the Baleba deal in January, Man United may have more success if it returns again next summer. By then, Cameroon International has only two years left on his contract with AMEX, which may mean he’s available at a more realistic price.
Meanwhile, Fabrizio Romano shows Man utd “really grateful” for Baleva in the summer.
“I’m not surprised Man United didn’t invest in other midfielders during the summer transfer,” Romano said.
“My feelings are not surprising because I’ve always said that Man United will continue to live their interest in 2026 for Carlos Valleva.
“I’m sure he won’t cut Man United’s list in 2026. They were very pleased that players would open the door for them, even without the Champions League or European football.
“Baleva was very open to joining Man United and the club really appreciated it.”
