"Super appreciated": Romano says Man Utd are "absolutely interested" in signing 21-year-old star

Manchester United remain absolutely interested in signing Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba in either January or at the end of the season, according to reputed journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The Red Devils were heavily linked with the Cameroon international last summer, but a deal did not materialise due to Brighton’s reluctance to part ways with their standout defensive midfielder.

United were also put off by the £115 million valuation set by the Seagulls and did not proceed with a formal transfer offer. This has not ended the speculation linking Baleba with the Red Devils.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano has now revealed that United have not stopped discussing about Baleba. He is one of the ideal midfielders for manager Ruben Amorim alongside Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson.

He added that he is ‘super appreciated’ by the Red Devils and United remain ‘absolutely interested’ in signing him in January or the summer. The club continue to remain in contact with the player’s representatives.

Romano said: “Man United I can guarantee that even in their internal talks at the club have not stopped discussing the name of Carlos Baleba, because Baleba is still seen as an ideal solution by Ruben Amorim and people at the club.

“So Baleba together with Adam Wharton at Crystal Palace, together with Elliot Anderson at Nottingham Forest are seen as the ideal midfielders for Amorim. Baleba is super appreciated by Man Utd.

“January move is still seen as unlikely but any moment, January or the summer, If Brighton open doors to an exit for Baleba, Man United remain absolutely interested in the player. Man United remain in contact with people close to the player.”

Baleba won’t provide a proper midfield solution

The 21-year-old had a good 2024/25 season with Brighton in the Premier League, but he has experienced a drastic dip in form during the ongoing campaign after the summer speculation.

The former Lille man has averaged only 17 passes per game, winning just three duels and one tackle. He has made only three recoveries on average for the South Coast outfit under manager Fabian Hurzeler.

In comparison, Baleba completed 34 passes per outing last term with six recoveries. The Cameroonian won almost six duels with 2.2 tackles on average. He has been far from his best this campaign.

Hence, we don’t believe he would suit the Red Devils. United need someone who is strong with the ball at his feet and can control possession from the number six role as a potential deep-lying playmaker.

Wharton would be a perfect candidate due to his knack for creating chances from midfield. Anderson would be an equally good signing. He is robust with his defending and has good passing skills too.

With Baleba’s inconsistency this campaign, Wharton and Anderson would be more suitable signings. United may have to wait until the summer due to budget constraints.

The above duo could cost less than Baleba, but United may need to pay £80m-£100m. The club could seek a cut-price solution this winter before spending big in the summer.

Al-Hilal’s Ruben Neves and Everton’s James Garner are currently on their radar.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com

Article written by Sri Aswin .