Cameroon misses 2026 World Cup, Man Utd open to buying Baleba

Cameroon have officially missed out on the 2026 World Cup after losing to the Democratic Republic of Congo – a slip-up at international level that could give Manchester United leverage in the transfer market. With both United and Carlos Baleba keen to get the deal done, Brighton are likely to lose the negotiating leverage they had when they asked for £100m last summer.

Market crash: when the World Cup is no longer a price launch pad

At World Cups, impressive performances often push up player prices, giving the club more leverage. Baleba’s absence from the 2026 World Cup eliminates the familiar scenario of “inflating the price”. While attention will shift to other midfielders such as Elliot Anderson or Adam Wharton, Man Utd can take a detour: negotiate quietly and aim for a deal at a more reasonable level than the initial £100 million mark.

Man Utd's plan: after the attack, it's the midfield's turn

Amid signs of improvement on the pitch, Man Utd under coach Ruben Amorim have begun to map out a long-term roadmap. After the offensive revolution of the summer of 2025, the focus of the next transfer window has been determined to be the midfield. Baleba – a target that was once explored – is emerging as the “perfect” option and could become the first blockbuster contract of the summer of 2026 if all conditions are arranged in the right orbit.

Motivation from players: hearts have chosen Old Trafford

Last summer, Man Utd backed down from Brighton’s valuation. But Old Trafford’s interest never waned, and more importantly, a player’s desire is a leverage that rarely fails in the market. When one side wants to sell and the player wants to leave, the club’s right of refusal often wanes over time. According to the source cited in the article, both Man Utd and Baleba wanted the deal to happen – a rare alignment in big deals.

Transaction progress: not compressed by international competition schedule

Major tournaments often slow down the market: players are busy playing, clubs wait for “performances to determine the price”. With Baleba, this barrier does not exist. Man Utd can activate and complete the procedure as early as the summer, thereby optimizing the integration time for the Cameroon midfielder in the preparation period before the new season.

Tactical angle and priority list

Prioritising midfield is a clear signal of how United want to complete the structure of the team after defining the attack. A midfielder of Baleba’s age and development potential fits the investment direction for the future, while also providing the foundation for a long-term rebuild. If he is the first signing of the summer of 2026, his position and role in the new plan is expected to be crucial.

Brighton and the problem of keeping and selling

Brighton do not want to sell, that is a fact confirmed by the previous price of 100 million pounds. However, when the 2026 World Cup is no longer a testing ground for increasing value, and when the player is inclined to a new destination, the balance will shift. This is the time when negotiating power - rather than the "World Cup effect" - determines the final price.

Why is this a favorable "window" for Man Utd?

• Reduced price leverage: Without the World Cup, Brighton finds it difficult to increase its valuation based on international performances.
• Player consensus: Desire to move to Old Trafford is seen as Man Utd's biggest advantage.
• Fast progress: Not being held back by international competition schedules, the possibility of closing early in the summer increases.
• Less noisy competition: Market attention easily shifts to World Cup names.

Prospects

All the pieces are falling into place for United: the need for midfield reinforcements, the players’ chemistry and the sudden international window. Barring major changes, Baleba could be their most important signing of the summer of 2026 – exactly how a major deal usually works: the right man, the right time, the right strategy.