Man Utd close to Carlos Baleba, summer blockbuster 2026
Brighton once demanded 100 million pounds; Baleba's Cameroon missing the 2026 World Cup weakened his negotiating leverage, giving Man Utd an advantage to promote and close the deal early.
Cameroon’s loss to the Democratic Republic of Congo and their failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup has opened a window of opportunity for Manchester United to sign Carlos Baleba. With Ruben Amorim’s Man Utd having identified midfield as their next priority, the Cameroonian midfielder is seen as the “perfect” option and could be their first signing of the summer of 2026.
The key point of the deal
Last summer, Man Utd probed but hesitated when Brighton offered £100 million. However, the interest from Old Trafford has not cooled. According to sources, both sides want the deal to happen and the player's desire is a big advantage for Man Utd in the negotiation process.
Brighton do not want to sell, but it is difficult to keep a player when his future direction is clear. This is the foundation for Man Utd to confidently accelerate the steps for the midfield target.
International factors change the balance
Cameroon’s defeat to the Democratic Republic of Congo means Baleba will miss the 2026 World Cup. In the transfer market, this is a crucial variable: the World Cup is often a launching pad for players’ values to skyrocket. Not participating in a major tournament weakens Brighton’s negotiating position and reduces the risk of “inflating prices”.
While attention is focused on other midfielders such as Elliot Anderson or Adam Wharton, Man Utd can quietly proceed with the procedures, increasing the possibility of completing the deal early in the summer. This also helps Baleba have a full pre-season preparation period if he arrives at Old Trafford.
Match the midfield upgrade roadmap
After the summer 2025 attack revolution, Man Utd shifted their focus to the midfield. In that context, Baleba emerged as a strategic target. The advantage of the player's desire, combined with international fluctuations, pushed the deal closer to reality than the starting point a year ago.
More importantly, the lack of disruption from major tournaments keeps negotiations and medicals (if they take place) flowing smoothly, limiting time risks and allowing the team to quickly stabilise their squad ahead of the new season.
Key points of negotiation
- Price: Brighton's £100m asking price was a barrier. The new circumstances could see the deal happen at a more "reasonable" price.
- Player's will: the desire to join Man Utd is considered a soft lever in the negotiation table.
- Timing: Not attending the 2026 World Cup helps avoid schedule congestion, increasing the possibility of closing early at the beginning of the transfer period.
Expected impact
If he arrives at Old Trafford, he will likely be Man Utd's first major signing in the summer of 2026, and will be crucial to the midfield structure under coach Ruben Amorim. With a series of factors converging, Man Utd has the advantage to turn long-standing interest into reality.
The big picture
- Man Utd identified midfield as a priority after the summer of 2025.
- Baleba is a strategic target and both sides want the deal to succeed.
- Cameroon missing the 2026 World Cup helps reduce negotiation pressure, paving the way for an early conclusion.
All the current signs support one scenario: Carlos Baleba is closer than ever to Old Trafford, in the role of "blockbuster" to unlock Man Utd's 2026 summer transfer window.
