Carlos Baleba has suffered an ankle ligament injury in pre-season, providing Manchester United with a fresh concern should they consider reviving their long-standing interest in the Brighton midfielder.
The 22-year-old is now considered doubtful for the start of the new Premier League season after sustaining the problem during Brighton’s preparations.
According to a report relaying David Ornstein’s latest update, Baleba is expected to spend a period on the sidelines. Brighton do not currently believe the injury will become a long-term issue.
The Cameroon international was absent when Brighton beat Strasbourg 4-3 in a pre-season friendly last weekend.
Carlos Baleba injury adds fresh transfer complication
United have monitored Baleba for more than a year, but his price has repeatedly prevented their interest from developing.
ReadManUtd reported in July that United had decided against pursuing Baleba at Brighton’s existing valuation. The Seagulls had previously demanded around £100million, although subsequent reports suggested their expectations had fallen.
Michael Carrick’s midfield has already changed significantly this summer following the arrivals of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans.
United have not necessarily finished there. The club must still decide whether another central midfielder is required before the window closes, with ReadManUtd’s latest assessment of the transfer strategy highlighting that decision as one of the remaining issues for Carrick.
Baleba’s injury does not necessarily change United’s plans when their interest had already cooled.
However, it provides another complication should the club reconsider the Brighton midfielder later in the window. United would need clarity over both his fitness and Brighton’s valuation before any potential move could realistically gather momentum.
For now, Baleba’s priority will be recovering in time for Brighton’s opening games of the campaign.
