Carlos Baleba to Man Utd: Truth on 'transfer meeting' and player's honest view on move

Brighton star Carlos Baleba was reportedly 'very open' to a move to Manchester United, despite the deal not materialising this summer. The Red Devils failed to secure a central midfielder during the transfer window, having expressed interest in the Seagulls' ace shortly after signing forward Benjamin Sesko.

Brighton quickly made it clear in a meeting that Baleba was not on the market, reportedly slapping a hefty £115million price tag on the Cameroon international, mirroring the fee they received for Moises Caicedo from Chelsea. United promptly informed their Premier League counterparts that they would not be pursuing the deal, but their interest in the midfielder has not completely faded, even with the transfer window now shut.

Ruben Amorim's squad ultimately decided to bide their time in their efforts to bolster their midfield, although a loan bid for Conor Gallagher was rejected by Atletico Madrid.

It's clear that United's ambitions include securing a deal for Baleba in the future. Personal terms are already believed to have been agreed in anticipation of a potential move, according to The Athletic.

The player remains on United's shortlist for 2026, and the club were pleased to discover that the Brighton star was keen on a move over the summer, despite the lack of European football on offer.

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United bosses are set to meet with Baleba in September, as they look to bolster their midfield options.

The 21-year-old was notably absent from Cameroon's squad during their victory over Eswatini, a match in which both Bryan Mbeumo and Andre Onana took to the field.

Mbeumo, a summer signing of United, assisted Georges-Kevin N'Koudou in securing a 3-0 win.

However, if Baleba does make the move to United, he may not find a familiar face in Onana.

The goalkeeper is reportedly on his way to Turkish side Trabzonspor.

With the Super Lig window open until September 12, Onana is believed to have agreed to a loan deal with Trabzonspor until the end of the season, following the arrival of Senne Lammens at Old Trafford.

Onana, who has only played in United's defeat to Grimsby this season, made two crucial errors leading to goals before the Carabao Cup tie went to penalties.