Brighton looks like they are heading towards another massive transfer story, as young midfielder Carlos Baleba is now expected to leave the club in the near future.
The African star has become one of Brighton’s most important players, but big clubs across England are now lining up for him, and it feels like Brighton might not be able to keep him for long.
Baleba only joined Brighton in August 2023, yet he has quickly turned into a key part of the team.
He stepped up after Moises Caicedo left the club, with many fans and coaches praising his strength, energy, and calmness on the ball.
He plays like someone who has been in the Premier League for years, even though he is still so young.
But with big performances come big interest, and that is exactly what is happening with Baleba right now.
Big Clubs All Watching the Brighton Midfielder
Manchester United, Liverpool, Manchester City, and Tottenham Hotspur have all been linked with Baleba for months.
United are believed to be the strongest club in the race, especially after reports that they tried to sign him during the 2025 summer transfer window.
United’s interest hasn’t gone away. With new manager Rúben Amorim trying to rebuild the team slowly and smartly, someone like Baleba fits the plan perfectly.
He is young, powerful, and has the type of consistency that United have been missing in midfield for a long time.
Liverpool and Manchester City are also watching things closely, while Spurs are said to be keeping an eye on the situation as well.
It is rare to see so many top clubs chasing the same player, but that shows just how special Baleba is and how much potential he has.
Kanté: “It Seems a Done Deal”
Former Mali international Cédric Kanté, who now works as an analyst for Canal+, has spoken about the situation, and his comments have made the story even more interesting.
Speaking to Africa Foot, Kanté said he fully expects Baleba to leave Brighton soon, and he even suggested that the move is already “a done deal” behind the scenes.
He explained that clubs like Manchester United have the money and the desire to sign a player like Baleba, especially if they need someone who can play every week at the top level.
Kanté believes that United would have no problem paying a huge salary and that Baleba would be happy to join a club with so much history.
A Huge €100 Million Price Tag
Brighton have done very well in recent years, selling players for big money, and it looks like that could happen again.
Kanté believes that if any club offers more than €100 million, Baleba’s agents will find it nearly impossible to reject the move.
For many clubs, €100 million is a massive amount, but Kanté said that whoever pays it will be making a “good deal,” because Baleba is a reliable and consistent player who rarely lets the team down.
Brighton knows his value, but they also know how their transfer model works, they train players, help them grow, and then sells them when the time is right.
It feels like that moment may be coming soon.
Brighton’s Tough Decision Ahead
Brighton have been trying to ignore the transfer rumours, but even they must understand that interest of this level is extremely hard to manage.
Baleba is one of their most valuable players, and whenever he plays, Brighton looks more balanced and stronger in midfield.
Selling him would bring in a huge amount of money, but it would also leave a big gap in the team.
Replacing a player like him will never be easy, especially with the Premier League becoming more competitive every year.
The real challenge for Brighton is deciding whether they want to keep pushing forward with him in the squad, or whether they want to cash in and start another round of rebuilding.
What a Transfer Would Mean for Manchester United
If Manchester United manage to sign Baleba, it could be one of the most important midfield signings they have made in years.
United have been trying to find the right balance since the departure of players like Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matić, and Baleba brings qualities that they desperately need energy, strength, discipline, and the ability to push the game forward.
United fans have been asking for a long-term midfield leader for years, and Baleba could be that player. Signing him would also show that United are serious about its future under Amorim.
A Big Move Is Coming
Everything now points to a major transfer coming soon. Baleba’s value is rising, the interest from big clubs is strong, and Brighton know how their system works.
Kanté’s comments suggest that talks may already be happening, and that a move is only a matter of time.
Whether it is Manchester United or one of the other top clubs, Carlos Baleba looks set to be one of the biggest transfer stories of the next window and maybe one of the biggest deals Brighton has ever been involved in.
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