Man Utd are monitoring Carlos Baleba following the INEOS decision.
Fabrizio Romano: Man Utd are still monitoring Carlos Baleba after INEOS agreed to add a central midfielder in 2026; Brighton demanded £115 million last summer.
INEOS and Manchester United's leadership have agreed on a 2026 deadline for signing a new central midfielder. In that picture, Fabrizio Romano stated that Carlos Baleba remains on Man Utd's priority watchlist, despite Brighton's price tag in the previous transfer window.
INEOS's decision shapes its strategy.
According to Fabrizio Romano, INEOS – the club's co-owner – and the board have agreed on the need to bring in a central midfielder in 2026. This is a key direction that has led Man Utd to continue monitoring Baleba, while also keeping an eye on Angelo Stiller (Stuttgart) and several other top European midfielders.
A run of three consecutive Premier League wins has propelled Man Utd into the European qualification spots, but plans to strengthen the squad remain active for the upcoming winter and summer transfer windows. This move shows the club's focus on the sustainability of the squad, rather than simply reacting to short-term results.
Brighton's obstacle: a price tag of £115 million.
Brighton previously refused to sell Baleba last summer unless they received an offer of around £115 million. Manchester United then had to change course, despite indirect contact through intermediaries. Currently, the 21-year-old midfielder has over 2.5 years remaining on his contract at Amex, giving Brighton a negotiating advantage if the deal is restarted.
Sources indicate that Baleba's declining form in the 2025/26 season could make the projected fee more "reasonable". However, a long-term contract remains a key factor in Brighton controlling the target price.
Under Amorim: prioritizing midfield balance.
Man Utd have spent heavily on attack with Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko. But according to manager Ruben Amorim's vision, the midfield needs strengthening to increase stability. That's why a central midfielder – with the right skill set – is seen as the next piece in the squad upgrade.
In that context, Baleba emerged as a suitable target: young, on the priority watchlist, and with the potential for negotiation that could be "unlocked" if market conditions were more favorable than last summer.
Angelo Stiller and the parallel approach
Along with Baleba, Man Utd are also monitoring Angelo Stiller. Director of Football Jason Wilcox has been closely observing Stiller for many years. The presence of this option helps Man Utd maintain the initiative: not being dependent on a single target and creating flexibility if the market shifts.
Timeline and transfer window
Man Utd are expected to continue reviewing Bale's transfer plans in the next two transfer windows: winter and summer. The 2026 deadline – agreed upon by INEOS and the board for bringing in a central midfielder – is the strategic target, while in the short term, the club remains open to the possibility of resuming the Baleba deal "in the coming months".
Key figures
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Target location | Central midfielder (target year 2026) |
| The price Brighton had previously demanded. | Around £115 million (last summer) |
| Baleba's age | 21 |
| Remaining contract term | Over 2.5 years with Brighton |
| Man Utd window of opportunity to consider | Winter, then Summer comes |
The overall picture
Man Utd are trying to find a balance between short-term goals and their 2026 vision. Baleba remains a priority, Stiller is a significant alternative, and Brighton holds leverage thanks to a long-term contract. If form and the market shift favorably, negotiations could open up. All of this is part of a consistent strategy: strengthening the midfield to improve the team's stability.
