Manchester United Face Record Fee Demand for Carlos Baleba – Brighton Stand Firm

Manchester United could be forced to pay a club-record transfer fee if they are to land Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba this summer — a move that would come just months after co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe warned the club could go “bust” without strict cost-cutting measures.

The Red Devils have reportedly made contact with Brighton regarding a bold swoop for the 21-year-old, who is widely considered one of the most talented young midfielders in world football. Multiple reports suggest United are currently in pole position, but the Seagulls have made it clear that Baleba is not for sale in this transfer window.

According to The Athletic, Brighton would only consider opening negotiations if a bid exceeds the £115 million they received from Chelsea for Moises Caicedo in 2023 — a British record at the time, recently surpassed by Liverpool’s £116.5m deal for Florian Wirtz.

Baleba, who arrived at the Amex Stadium in a £23m deal from Lille just two years ago, still has three years remaining on his contract, leaving Brighton in a strong negotiating position.

Brighton CEO Paul Barber recently addressed the speculation, denying that any formal approach had been made by Manchester United:

“There is always going to be interest in our players. Manchester United have not been in touch with me — speculation is speculation. Carlos is a fantastic talent and we hope he will be here for years to come. But it’s subject to the dynamics of the football world, which is not always predictable.”

Despite the public denial, sources close to the situation believe United remain keen, with Ruben Amorim looking to strengthen his midfield ahead of the new season.

Manchester United’s need for a dynamic midfielder has intensified following Manuel Ugarte’s underwhelming pre-season displays. Ugarte, signed from Paris Saint-Germain last summer for £50m, has yet to deliver the commanding performances expected of him.

Amorim, who favours a 3-4-3 formation, is reportedly keen on pairing a more energetic and progressive player alongside his midfield pivot — with Baleba fitting the profile perfectly.

In a bizarre twist, one passionate United supporter has even launched a GoFundMe campaign in an attempt to raise money towards the transfer fee.

The potential pursuit of such an expensive signing comes in stark contrast to Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s recent comments about United’s financial position. Earlier this year, the INEOS chief claimed the club would have run out of money by the end of 2025 without his intervention:

“Manchester United would have run out of cash by the end of 2025. Where do you want to spend the money? On operating the club, or on the squad? If you spend it on the squad, you get better results. At the end of the day, what is Manchester United here for if not to win trophies?”

Ratcliffe’s cost-cutting measures have been sweeping, with approximately 450 staff redundancies, reductions in staff perks, increased ticket prices, and even cutbacks on meals and basic supplies at the training ground.

Despite his warnings, United have been among the Premier League’s top spenders in the current transfer window. The club has already secured:

• Matheus Cunha from Wolves for £62.5m

• Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford for £71m

• Diego Leon from Cerro Porteño for £7m

They are also on the verge of finalising a £74m deal for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko.

If Manchester United meet Brighton’s mammoth asking price, it would not only smash their transfer record but also raise serious questions about financial sustainability. For fans, the prospect of pairing Baleba with United’s new attacking signings is exciting — but for the board, it’s a balancing act between ambition and caution.

Whether this deal materialises or not, one thing is certain: Manchester United’s transfer window drama is far from over.