Summary
Manchester United Transfer News: Carlos Baleba Prioritized as Red Devils Delay Final Midfield Signing
Manchester United have made an aggressive start to the summer transfer window, but the club is not expected to rush into signing a third and final midfielder before the transfer market closes.
Following the departure of veteran Casemiro, the Red Devils have begun a major rebuild in midfield. Under Michael Carrick, United have already secured the signings of Andrey Santos from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa.
The club has invested approximately £100 million in those two arrivals. Despite that spending, Manchester United remain determined to add one more marquee midfielder ahead of the 2026/27 season. Several candidates have emerged, with one Premier League star reportedly eager to complete a move to Old Trafford.
Carlos Baleba Reportedly Keen on Joining Manchester United
Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba has been consistently linked with Manchester United over the past year.
The Red Devils came close to signing the 22-year-old during the previous summer transfer window, but Brighton’s reported £100 million asking price ultimately prevented the deal from progressing.
According to TEAMtalk, Brighton have since lowered their valuation to around £70 million following an underwhelming campaign, making the Cameroon international a more attainable target for United.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has also provided an update on the situation. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano stated that Baleba remains highly interested in joining Manchester United, with the next move now depending entirely on the Premier League club.
Romano said:
“Baleba is also a player who would be super keen on joining Manchester United.”
He added:
“Already one year ago, Baleba wanted to go to Man Utd, but on this one, it’s on Man Utd to decide if they want to return in talks with Brighton or not.”
Romano concluded:
“So, that’s the status around these players. That’s the status around these midfielders.”
Manchester United Also Monitoring Manu Koné
Although Baleba remains a leading option, Manchester United are also evaluating a move for AS Roma midfielder Manu Koné.
The French international is reportedly available for around £50 million, making him approximately £20 million cheaper than Baleba.
Reports suggest that Koné has already reached an agreement in principle on personal terms with Manchester United, leaving the club in a strong negotiating position should it decide to move forward with the transfer.
Roma Growing Frustrated by Manchester United’s Delay
Despite their interest in Koné, Manchester United are showing little urgency in completing a deal.
According to Corriere dello Sport, Roma are becoming increasingly frustrated by the slow pace of negotiations and continue to wait for an official offer from the Premier League side.
However, the Serie A club is not expected to issue Manchester United with an ultimatum at this stage.
In his latest update, Fabrizio Romano described the potential transfer as “an open story,” indicating that discussions remain active and that a deal is still possible before the transfer window closes.
Manchester United Keeping Their Options Open
With both Carlos Baleba and Manu Koné expressing interest in joining Old Trafford, Manchester United are taking a patient approach to strengthening their midfield.
Baleba offers proven Premier League experience and remains the club’s preferred high-profile target, while Koné represents a more affordable alternative with personal terms reportedly already in place.
Rather than rushing into a decision, United appear determined to assess every option before making what could be their final major signing of the summer transfer window.