Manchester United will not pursue Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba this summer because of the cost required to complete a deal.
United have monitored the Cameroon international throughout the transfer window as Michael Carrick reshapes his midfield. However, Brighton’s valuation has again prevented their interest from developing into an official offer.
TEAMtalk reports that United have ruled out moves for Baleba and Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott because both deals would be too expensive. The Old Trafford club are now considering alternatives available for below £40million.
Manchester United end Carlos Baleba transfer pursuit
Brighton have previously valued Baleba at around £100million and remain under no financial pressure to sell him.
United admire the 22-year-old’s physicality and ability to carry possession through midfield. Baleba is also understood to have been open to a move after previous discussions with the club.
However, United have already invested heavily in their midfield this summer. Their additions include Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, reducing the likelihood of another major financial commitment.
ReadBrighton recently covered how David Ornstein explained United’s cooling Baleba interest. Brighton’s high valuation and the midfielder’s quieter 2025/26 campaign both contributed to United assessing better-value alternatives.
The latest decision strengthens Fabian Hürzeler’s chances of retaining an important midfield option. Baleba has already returned for pre-season and can now focus on Brighton’s Premier League and Conference League campaigns.
Another club could still challenge Brighton’s position before the window closes. For now, United appear unwilling to meet the price required to sign him.
